The influence of corrosion pits and cold expanded fastener holes on the fatigue life aluminium 7075-T651

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) utilised the split sleeve cold expansion process to increase the fatigue life of fastener holes in the wings of the C130 transport fleet. As part of the validation of the fatigue improvements offered by the process the Defence Technology Agency conducted a series of fatigue tests on cold expanded fastener holes in aluminium 7075-T651, including specimens with corrosion induced after the cold expansion process had been performed. This research conducted an analysis of fatigue crack origins and modelled the stress concentration factors generated as a result of the corrosion pits. These results were used to explain the differing fatigue life and s-n curves produced by corroded and non-corroded fatigue specimens and the location of crack initiation sites around corroded cold expanded fastener holes.