Material Model Effect for Simulating a Single-Lap Joint with a Blind Rivet.

Area of Science:

• Engineering Mechanics
• Materials Science
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Strength analysis of mechanical joints is critical for structural integrity.
• Blind rivets are common fasteners, but their analysis requires accurate material modeling.
• Finite element methods (FEMs) are widely used, but model selection impacts results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence of material modeling methods on strength analysis results for blind rivet joints.
• To compare numerical analysis (FEM) outcomes with experimental data and classical analytical methods.
• To determine the most suitable material model for analyzing single lap joints with blind rivets.

Main Methods:

• Numerical strength analysis using FEM with various material and contact nonlinearity configurations.
• Experimental testing of single lap joints with blind rivets (ISO 12996).
• Comparison of FEM results with experimental data and analytical estimations (pressure stress, Hertz stress).

Main Results:

• The linear-elastic material model demonstrated acceptable accuracy for analyzing blind rivet joints up to 90% of their load capacity.
• FEM results showed good correlation with experimental data when appropriate material models were used.
• Material and contact nonlinearity influenced the accuracy of the numerical strength analyses.

Conclusions:

• The linear-elastic model is a practical and recommended approach for strength analysis of blind rivet joints within specified load limits.
• Accurate material modeling is essential for reliable FEM predictions in joint analysis.
• Further research can explore advanced material models and different joint configurations.