A study of quality parameters and behaviour of self-piercing riveted aluminium sheets with different joining conditions

Abstract

This paper presents research progress in the assembly dimensional prediction area, using finite element analysis results. A case study of the SPR of two sheets of the aluminium alloy using a steel rivet was investigated. The riveting analysis has been performed for joined sheets using finite element method (FEM) with MSC Marc Mentat software. Thus, a simulated analysis was adopted in this study to improve industrial productivity. The comparison analysis has been performed within the numerical experiment range to cover the effect of various riveting process parameters on the rivet deformation. Proper selection of corresponding rivet material features, i.e. its yield point and strain hardening, enables significant changing of the sheet joining process and specific finished joint parameters. The finite element simulation is effective in determining the optimal conditions. © 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering. All rights reserved.