Analysis and optimization of the strain concentration factor in countersunk rivet holes via finite element and response surface methods

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strain concentration factor in a central countersunk hole riveted in rectangular plates under uniaxial tension using finite element and response surface methods. Design/methodology/approach In this work, ANSYS software was elected to create the finite element model of the present structure, execute the analysis and generate strain concentration factor (,) data. Response surface method was implemented to formulate a second order equation to precisely compute (,) based on the geometric and material parameters of the present problem. Findings The computations of this formula are accurate and in a great agreement with finite element analysis (FEA) data. This equation was further used for obtaining optimum hole and plate designs. Originality/value An optimum design of the countersunk hole and the plate that minimizes the (,) value was achieved and hence validated with FEA findings.