Riveted single lap joints .1. A numerical parametric study

Snap and countersunk riveted single lap joints with either one or two-rows of rivets have been analysed using finite elements and fatigue tests have been performed. In this first paper, a numerical parametric study, the joints are subjected to an alternating cyclic load and plasticity and non-linear geometry are considered. The stresses around the rivet hole and the deformed shapes of the joints are presented together with the effects of varying the clamping force, the interference fit of the rivet, the coefficient of friction and the geometry of the joints when the joints are subjected to various loading histories. The effect of changing the variables is shown to be in agreement with other published data.