Influence of Impact Speed on the Quality of Riveted Lap Joints of Composite/Metal Stacks

Riveting is the most important method for joining two sheets of different materials. In order to promote electromagnetic pulse riveting (EMR), the influence of the impact velocity will be studied in this paper in order to correctly model the electromagnetic field of the riveting process. There are many parameters associated to the riveting process, however, the interference fit is considered as the most important criterion to measure the riveting quality, which consequently will be associated to the impact velocity, being this the most important parameter. The use of the washer will be studied to guarantee the optimal flow of the material and to restrict the expansion of the rivet shaft, thus minimizing damage to the composite material. The interference generated between the rivet shaft and the hole of the sheets and the flow of the material will be developed by finite elements which will later be validated by means of experimental tests analyzing its final microstructure. Finally, the relationship between the impact velocity on the rivet head will be directly related to the distribution of the interference generated in the deformation, verifying that the impact velocity.