Effect of Process Variables on the Static and Fatigue Properties of Self-Piercing Riveted Joints in Aluminum Alloy 5754

Self-piercing riveting is a relatively new process for joining sheet metals in automotive applications. Its importance is growing in the automotive industry because of its advantages over spot welding aluminum alloys. One of these advantages is the higher fatigue strength, which is useful in designing body structures. This paper presents experimental data on the effects of several process variables, such as rivet diameter, rivet length, rivet hardness, sheet thickness and die shape, on the static and fatigue properties of self-piercing riveted joints in aluminum alloy 5754. Statistical analysis has been performed to examine the relative importance of these variables on the static and fatigue performance of the joints.