On the self-piercing riveting of aluminium blanks and carbon fibre composite panels

In the present paper the possibility to join aluminium alloys blanks and carbon fibre composites panels by self-piercing riveting operation is considered. In particular a few case studies were carried out at the varying of the process parameters. The effectiveness of the obtained joints was tested through tensile tests and through fatigue ones; what is more the process mechanics was highlighted through proper macro and micro observations of the transverse sections of the joints. The failure mechanics of the obtained joints were also considered in order to highlight the mechanisms which occur and determine the lost of the load carrying capability of the joints. Finally a numerical model of the process was carried out and the residual stress state after piercing was highlighted. The developed experiments and simulations demonstrated that self-piercing riveting can be effectively used to join carbon fiber composite panels and aluminum blanks.