Influences of upsetting on the propagation characteristic of the elastic wave in the countersunk head riveted joints

•The influence of upsetting on the propagation characteristic of the elastic wave in the CHRJ was studied.•A spring boundary simulation model was developed.•The relationship between the upsetting length and the amplitude of the first shank echo was obtained.•The obtained propagation characteristic can be used as a reference for the ultrasonic testing of CHRJ.