Flexural properties and evaluation of Al-CFRP self-pierce riveted laminates under three-point bending loads

This study aims to investigate the bending performance and evaluation of aluminum-carbon fiber reinforced plastic (Al-CFRP) riveted laminates under varying parameters via self-pierce riveting and three-point bending tests. Through the self-pierce riveting process test, a riveted joint meeting standard requirement was obtained. Based on this joint combination form, Al-CFRP self-pierce riveted laminates were prepared. The bending performance test showed the riveted laminate with a span of 80 mm had the greatest bending resistance at a thickness of 2 mm, and the overall strain of the Al-CFRP self-pierce riveted laminates was observed by digital image correlation (DIC) technology. Subsequently, validated numerical simulation modeling was conducted by correlating with the test results. On this numerical simulation model basis, further parametric studies and bending performance evaluations (including number of rivets, CFRP lay-up angle, and laminates width) of the Al-CFRP self-pierce riveted laminates were systematically carried out. It was found that the peak load F and bending strength R improved by 1.32% and 26.66%, respectively, while the mass M reduced by 8.99%, for the design variables of var1 of 20 mm, var2 of 6, and var3 of [0/90 degrees](2s).