Influence of Rivet Diameter and Pitch on the Fatigue Performance of Riveted Lap Joints Based on Stress Distribution Analysis

Interference-fit riveting is one of the most widely used mechanical joining ways in aircraft assembly. The fatigue performance of riveted joints has a significant impact on the service life and reliability of aircraft. In this paper, the fatigue performance of the riveted lap joints with various rivet diameters and pitches are studied based on stress distribution analysis under tensile load. First, a theoretical model of the riveted lap joint under tensile load is developed by using the spring-mass model. The rivet-load stress, bypass stress, and interference stress around the riveted hole are analyzed. Then, the finite element (FE) model of riveted lap joints are established. The influence of rivet diameter and pitch on stress distribution around the riveted hole are discussed. Finally, the fatigue tests are conducted with riveted lap joint specimens to verify the theoretical model and FE results, and a good agreement is observed. Based on the simulation and experimental results, a good combination of structural parameters of the riveted lap joint is found which can optimize the stress distribution around the riveted hole and improve the fatigue life of the riveted lap joint.