Optimisation of the rivet joints of the CFRP composite material and aluminium alloy

Abstract

Purpose: The project included analysis of strain, cracking, and failure of riveted joints of plate elements made from the carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) and from the 6061 aluminium alloy. Design/methodology/approach: The modelled static tensile strength test carried out for the plates from CFRP and from the 6061 aluminium alloy joined with the steel rivet. Computer simulation was carried out with IDEAS software package employing the FEM. Findings: Simulations using the mesh with a bigger number of FEM elements do not yield better accuracy of calculations and do not improve convergence with the results of laboratory experiments. Only the calculation time gets longer. Computer simulation has also show that the type of contacts employed between elements affects the results significantly. Research limitations/implications: For the composite materials, joints between materials and computer simulation examinations are planed. Practical implications: Results obtained for the mesh with 4 and 5 FEM elements are the closest to the results of laboratory experiments, which is confirmed by the strain plot. Simulations using the mesh with a bigger number of FEM elements do not yield better accuracy of calculations and do not improve convergence with the results of laboratory experiments. Only the calculation time gets longer. Computer simulation has show that the type of contacts employed between elements affects the results significantly. Originality/value: The paper presents influence of fibre mesh closeness on convergence of the results with laboratory tests. Simulation results were collected and compared with the laboratory static tensile strength tests results.