Published: 04 November 2023

Multi-indicator optimization of riveting joint forming quality of aluminum alloy sheets based on response surface test

Shi Liu1
Yong Qiang Zhao2
Da Hai Wang3
Miao Yuan Mei4
Tao Huang5
1, 2, 3, 4, 5School of Mechanical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
2Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Industrial Automation, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
Corresponding Author:
Yong Qiang Zhao
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Abstract

In this paper, the effects of the interaction between punch diameter, die depth and punch speed on the quality of riveted joints are investigated using the BBD response surface test method. The results show that the mold depth has the greatest influence on the key dimensional parameters of riveted joints, followed by the punching speed, and then the punch diameter, while the punch diameter and the mold depth are the two factors with the most obvious interaction. The optimum riveted joint process parameters determined are punch diameter of 5.24 mm, die depth of 1.44 mm, and stamping speed of 5.00 mm/s. The corresponding relative errors predicted by numerical simulation and response surface optimization objective are 5.96 % for neck thickness, 3.29 % for interlocking value, and 1.37 % for bottom thickness; and the relative errors predicted by experimental results and optimization objective are 13.42 % for neck thickness, 13.42 % for interlocking value, and 1.37 % for bottom thickness. 13.42 %, interlock value is 4.23 %, and bottom thickness is 2.23 %, the model accuracy is high, and the optimization method of response surface test can effectively improve the quality of riveted joints. Through numerical simulation, the metal flow law and stress distribution during the riveting and forming process of aluminum alloy plate were analyzed, and the strength test of riveted joint was carried out, and the maximum destructive shear load of the joint was 1.8 KN, and the strength of the joint was improved, which verified the validity of the response surface optimization method.

Multi-indicator optimization of riveting joint forming quality of aluminum alloy sheets based on response surface test

Highlights

  • A new optimisation experimental method, BBD Response Surface Method, is used for riveting quality optimisation design tests to establish a prediction model between punch diameter, recessed die depth and stamping speed.
  • Considering the influence of each factor on the values of neck thickness, interlocking value and bottom thickness, the optimum combination of process parameters is determined as: punch diameter of 5.24 mm, concave die depth of 1.44 mm, and stamping speed of 5 mm/s.
  • The mould depth has the greatest influence on the key dimensional parameters of the joint, followed by the stamping speed and then the punch diameter. The experimental results show that the model has high accuracy and the BBD response surface method is very suitable for riveted joint quality optimisation.
  • The calculated joint strength is compared with the experimentally obtained joint strength. The results show that the response surface optimisation method improves the strength of the joint, which verifies that the riveting parameters obtained by the response surface method are real and reliable, and the maximum destructive shear load of the joint is 1.8KN, which meets the riveting requirements.

1. Introduction

The automobile industry is an important pillar of the economy, and body lightweight is one of the important measures for all kinds of automobile manufacturers to achieve energy saving and environmental protection, the key challenge is to reduce the cost of manufacturing structures using these new materials [1]. Lightweighting is one of the key strategies to address these challenges. Maximizing weight reduction (i.e., minimizing vehicle weight) requires systems engineering design optimization and iteration, combining material properties and manufacturing processes to meet product requirements at the lowest possible quality or cost [2]. However, due to the characteristics of the aluminum alloy material itself, it can only be processed by cold processing, and the rivetless riveting technology has been widely used in automotive production design due to its advantages of high connection strength, low surface damage, high reliability, and the ability to achieve multi-layer lightweight plate connection. Therefore, it is of great significance to carry out research on the optimization of riveting process parameters of lightweight plates to solve the connection problems between lightweight plates, expand the application range of lightweight plates and promote the process of automotive lightweighting.

As a new plate joining technology, in recent years, scholars at home and abroad have conducted many studies around the clinching joining process and riveting quality. Zhao Huan [3] et al. combined riveting tests with finite element (FE) modelling to systematically investigate the effects of top plate thickness (Tt), bottom plate thickness (Tb) and rivet length (L) on the joint formation mechanism. Also, the study also highlights the fact that the FE model is an excellent tool for analyzing the formation of riveted joints. Zhang Yue [4] et al. used three different types of aluminum alloy sheets: 7075, 6061 and 5754. these sheets were joined together by self-pierce riveting technique. The geometrical parameters, microhardness, quasi-static mechanical properties, and fatigue properties of the three aluminum alloy joints were studied and compared. Xu Fan [5] et al. analyzed the factors affecting the strength of riveted joints and obtained the influence law of the number of joints, different tensile speeds and different combinations on the strength of the joints; Shen Yongfei [6] et al. through the tensile shear experiments on joints of different riveted specimens, combined with the mechanical properties of the unriveted riveted joints, came to the conclusion that the interfacial breakage and the joints tensile shear strength depended on the thickness of the cracking of the neck of the upper plate; Benzegaou Ali [7] et al. obtained the geometrical mechanical parameters affecting the quality of riveted joints during riveting and performed tensile tests to obtain the mechanical strength of riveted joints. Liu Yahui [8] et al. investigated the metal deformation behavior during self-pierce riveting of thin aluminum alloy plates and the mechanical behavior of self-pierce riveting joint head in destructive testing, with a view to establishing a general strength model for self-pierce riveting joint head and realizing the data processing and strength prediction of riveted joints. Liu Yang [9] et al. proposed a deep learning-based prediction method for riveting process, obtaining the original images of the model dataset according to the simulation results, and using image segmentation technology to classify the damage patterns. The adopted deep learning model can accurately predict the deformation state and damage evolution of riveted materials in different connection stages.

The above study started from the factors affecting the quality of riveted joints, and obtained the key process parameters affecting the quality of riveted joints; by comparing different riveting forms, different joint damage forms were obtained, which provide a basis for riveted joints in different applications; through the destructive test of riveted shaped specimens, the mechanical strength of riveted joints was obtained, and at the same time, it was concluded that the quality of riveted joints was affected differently by different process parameters. At the same time, it is concluded that different process parameters have different effects on the quality of riveted joints. The influence of different process parameters on the quality of riveted joints varies. The above studies have mentioned how to optimize the riveting process parameters to improve the quality of riveted joints, to reduce the workload in the actual processing and reduce the cost. Therefore, this paper proposes a method to optimize the riveting process parameters on this basis, taking the rivetless joining process of 6061 aluminum alloy with a single-layer plate thickness of 1.5 mm as the object of study, numerical simulation of the rivetless joining forming process is carried out by using the DEFORM-3D finite element software, which reproduces the flow law of the metal and the distribution of the stress-strain in the riveting process, and the riveted process parameters of necking without riveting are selected based on the response surface test scheme. According to the riveting response surface test scheme to select the process parameters, the neck thickness value, the interlocking value and the bottom thickness value as the evaluation index, to determine the 6061 aluminum alloy mold riveting die depth, stamping speed and punch diameter, to derive what kind of factors on the riveting quality has a greater impact on riveted joints, riveted joints for the riveting process to provide a certain reference significance.

2. Finite element modeling

2.1. Clinching forming mechanism

Instead of using rivets, the rivetless joining process uses a special convex-concave die to stamp the joining plate and then uses the plastic deformation capacity of the plate to embed the plate for joining [10]. Fig. 1 illustrates the molding mechanism. Firstly, in the positioning stage, two layers of plates are stacked between the punch and the die. The punch, the die and the center of the joint are placed coaxially. As the forming process proceeds, the plates are compressed under pressure and further stretched at the neck, and the thickness of the plates at this position gradually decreases.

Fig. 1Example of figure consisting of multiple charts

Example of figure consisting of multiple charts

a) Positioning

Example of figure consisting of multiple charts

b) Early stage of forming

Example of figure consisting of multiple charts

c) Late forming

Example of figure consisting of multiple charts

d) Demolding

2.2. Geometric modeling of clinching

The axisymmetric geometric model of riveted joint created by UG software is shown in Fig. 2(a). The punch, crimping ring and concave mould are set as rigid bodies, and the upper and lower plates are set as plastic bodies. The downward speed of the punch is set to 5 mm/s, the friction coefficient between the plates is set to 0.2, and the mesh is refined using the local mesh refinement technique. The upper and lower plates are made of 6061 aluminum alloy with a thickness of 1.5 mm and their main mechanical properties are shown in Table 1 [11]. To improve the accuracy of the finite element simulation, the Lagrange increment is used as the simulation form, and the conjugate gradient method is chosen to directly simulate the boundary conditions of the upper and lower plates in the X, Y, and Z directions, while keeping the position fixed. The finite element model of the riveting mould is shown in Fig. 2(b).

Fig. 2Clinching finite element modelling: d – punch diameter; D – die diameter; H – die depth; t1, t2 – upper and lower plates

Clinching finite element modelling: d – punch diameter; D – die diameter;  H – die depth; t1, t2 – upper and lower plates

a) Left chart

Clinching finite element modelling: d – punch diameter; D – die diameter;  H – die depth; t1, t2 – upper and lower plates

b) Right chart

Table 1Mechanical properties of AL6061

Parameters
Elastic modulus / GPa
Yield strength / MPa
Tensile strength / MPa
Elongation / %
Value
70
168.1
207
11.0

2.3. Geometric modeling of clinching

The quality of the riveted joint is determined by measuring and comparing the interlock value Tu, neck thickness value Tn and base thickness value X of the geometric parameters of the center section of the rivet head as shown in Fig. 3. According to literature [12], the interlocking value Tu reflects the reliability of the riveted joint. the higher the Tu, the more reliable the riveted joint is, whereas the lower the Tu, the more easily the connected plates can be separated. When the neck thickness value Tn is lower, the joint is more brittle. In addition, the bottom thickness value X determines the tensile strength of the joint. Obviously, Tu, Tn and X are closely related.

Fig. 3Three evaluation parameters

Three evaluation parameters

3. Optimization of the process parameters for clinching using response surface testing

3.1. Experimental design by response surface methodology

Response surface methodology, as an optimization method combining experimental design and mathematical modelling, has the advantages of high precision and accuracy in deriving regression equations and good predictive performance. When the number of levels of test factors is large, the response surface method can effectively reduce the number of tests and can respond to the interaction between the influencing factors [13]. In the rivetless riveting and forming process, the main variables affecting the quality of riveting and forming are the punch diameter, the depth of the concave die and the stamping speed. To test the model fit, parameter significance and misfit, as well as to analyze the variance and make model judgements, a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) response surface experimental design and analysis was used to develop the predictive model. The model was optimally solved to obtain the best test scenario.

3.2. Response surface method modeling

The parameters affecting the quality of riveted joints, i.e., neck thickness value, interlock value and bottom thickness value are used as the center point of the optimization experimental design and the combination of these three parameters is used as the optimization objective.

To establish the response surface approximation model, the relationship between the design variables and the analysis objectives must be clarified and the appropriate functional relationship must be selected. The relationship between the system response Y and the design variable x generally satisfies Eq. (1):

1
Y=fx+ξ,

where 𝑓(𝑥) is the approximation of the unknown function, x=x1,x2,,xn; 𝑛 means there are 𝑛 groups of independent variables; and 𝜉 is the total error.

The polynomial representation is expressed by Eq. (2):

2
fx=β0+i=1kβiϕix,

where, βi is the coefficient of the basis function, ϕi(x) is the basis function, i is the number of dimensions, and k is the number of basis functions.

The Box-Behnken Combined Design method in Design-Export software was used to determine the design of the flat-bottomed rivetless joint test. A level value was selected as the response surface test design level for the upper and lower regions, centered on the optimum value point of each test single factor. The level values and design factors are shown in Table 2.

Table 2Design factors and levels

Factors
Variables
Level
–1
0
+1
Punch diameter / mm
A
5.0
5.2
5.4
Concave die depth / mm
B
1.2
1.4
1.6
Stamping speed / (mm/s)
C
2
5
8

As shown in Table 3, a table of test protocols is created after each factor and its level values are entered sequentially in the Design-Expert system. The simulation is then performed according to the test protocol. The simulation results are measured for each set of factor combinations and the simulation results are filled in sequentially into the protocol combinations. Due to certain numerical fluctuations in the simulation process, the results can be slightly different even for the same set of simulation combinations. Therefore, repeat the test for several groups in the protocol.

Table 3Response surface test design and results

Number
A
B
C
Tn
Tu
X
1
5.0
1.2
5.0
0.494
0.310
0.510
2
5.4
1.2
5.0
0.501
0.168
0.950
3
5.0
1.6
5.0
0.376
0.256
0.483
4
5.4
1.6
5.0
0.385
0.296
0.562
5
5.0
1.4
2.0
0.391
0.288
0.550
6
5.4
1.4
2.0
0.421
0.330
0.591
7
5.0
1.4
8.0
0.448
0.294
0.562
8
5.4
1.4
8.0
0.414
0.330
0.607
9
5.2
1.2
2.0
0.465
0.246
0.466
10
5.2
1.6
2.0
0.350
0.233
0.610
11
5.2
1.2
8.0
0.492
0.272
0.464
12
5.2
1.6
8.0
0.388
0.380
0.501
13
5.2
1.4
5.0
0.457
.0435
0.561
14
5.2
1.4
5.0
0.467
0.403
0.573
15
5.2
1.4
5.0
0.462
0.415
0.568
16
5.2
1.4
5.0
0.452
0.426
0.576
17
5.2
1.4
5.0
0.449
0.420
0.567

Significance tests were performed on the linear function, second order model and third order model. To select the appropriate model, the data from the significance test, the test of misfit term and the correlation test were compared for the three models. The second-order model was recommended for neck thickness values, and the third-order model was recommended for interlock and bottom thickness values. The test results were analyzed using Design-Expert software.

Table 4Variance analysis table of regression equation-neck thickness value (mm)

Type
ss
DF
MS
F
Pr > F
Model
0.03253
9
0.003614
79.19857
< 0.0001
**
A
0.00002
1
0.000018
0.394428
0.5499
B
0.02565
1
0.025651
562.0844
< 0.0001
**
C
0.00165
1
0.001653
36.22437
0.0005
*
AB
0
1
0.000001
0.021913
0.8865
AC
0.00102
1
0.001024
22.43857
0.0021
*
BC
0.00003
1
0.00003
0.662858
0.4424
A2
0.00059
1
0.000589
12.90131
0.0088
*
B2
0.00018
1
0.000182
3.988624
0.0860
C2
0.00309
1
0.003087
67.63453
< 0.0001
**
Residuals
0.00032
7
0.000045
Loss of proposed items
0.00011
3
0.000035
0.664478
0.6162
Insignificant
Pure Error
0.00021
4
0.000053

Table 5Variance analysis table of regression equation-interlocking value (mm)

Type
ss
DF
MS
F
Pr > F
Model
0.09830
12
0.0081916
57.004803
0.0007
**
A
0.00152
1
0.001521
10.584551
0.0313
*
B
0.00226
1
0.0022563
15.701113
0.0166
*
C
0.00748
1
0.0074823
52.068546
0.0020
*
AB
0.00828
1
0.008281
57.627001
0.0016
*
AC
0
1
0.000009
0.0626305
0.8147
*
BC
0.00366
1
0.0036603
25.474168
0.0072
*
A2
0.01907
1
0.0190565
132.61328
0.0003
*
B2
0.03803
1
0.03802
264.579
< 0.0001
**
C2
0.00744
1
0.0074362
51.748178
0.0020
*
A2B
0
1
0.00005
0.3836117
0.5692
A2C
0.00349
1
0.0034861
24.259743
0.0079
*
AB2
0.00405
1
0.00405
28.183716
0.0061
Residuals
Loss of proposed items
Insignificant
Pure Error
0.00058
4
0.0001437

Table 6Variance analysis table of regression equation-bottom thickness (mm)

Type
ss
DF
MS
F
Pr > F
Model
0.18632
12
0.0015527
463.4773
< 0.0001
**
A
0.00185
1
0.001849
55.19403
0.0018
*
B
0.00819
1
0.00819
244.4851
< 0.0001
*
C
0.00308
1
0.00308
91.94776
0.0007
*
AB
0.03258
1
0.03258
972.5448
< 0.0001
*
AC
0
1
0.000004
0.119403
0.7471
*
BC
0.00286
1
0.002862
85.4403
0.0008
*
A2
0.01632
1
0.016316
487.0463
< 0.0001
*
B2
0.00011
1
0.000105
3.142184
0.1510
**
C2
0.01264
1
0.012164
363.1186
< 0.0001
*
A2B
0.04440
1
0.044402
1325.433
< 0.0001
A2C
0.00242
1
0.002415
72.09328
0.0011
*
AB2
0.02344
1
0.023436
699.5858
< 0.0001
Residuals
Loss of proposed items
Insignificant
Pure Error
0.00013
4
0.0000335

3.3. Fitting and evaluation of response surface models

Based on the analysis of the simulation results in Tables 4-6, the response fitting equations for the neck thickness values, interlocking values and bottom thickness values were derived as shown in Eqs. (3-5):

3
Y1=0.4574+0.0015*A-0.05663*B+0.014375*C+0.0005*AB-0.016*AC+0.00275*BC-0.0118*A2-0.00658*B2-0.02708*C2,
4
Y2=0.4198+0.0195*A+0.02375*B+0.04325*C+0.0455*AB-0.0015*AC+0.03025*BC-0.06728*A2-0.09503*B2-0.04203*C2-0.00525*A2B-0.04175*A2C-0.045*AB2,
5
Y3=0.569+0.0215*A+0.04525*B+0.02775*C+0.09025*AB-0.001*AC+0.02675*BC-0.06225*A2-0.005*B2-0.05375*C2-0.0149*A2B-0.03475*A2C-0.10825*AB2,

where, A, B and C represent punch diameter, die depth and stamping speed respectively. Y1, Y2 and Y3 represent neck thickness value, interlocking value, and bottom thickness value respectively.

Table 7Statistical analysis of regression equation error of neck thickness

Statistical items
Value
Statistical items
Value
Std.Dev.
0.006755
R-Squared
0.990275
Mean
0.436
Adj R-Squared
0.977771
C.V. %
1.549409
Pred R-Squared
0.938105
PRESS
0.002033
Adeq Precision
28.29958

Table 8Statistical analysis of error of regression equation for interlock value

Statistical items
Value
Statistical items
Value
Std.Dev.
0.011987
R-Squared
0.994187
Mean
0.323647
Adj R-Squared
0.976746
C.V. %
3.703878
Pred R-Squared
N/A
PRESS
N/A
Adeq Precision
24.02039

Table 9Statistical analysis of regression equation error of bottom thickness

Statistical items
Value
Statistical items
Value
Std.Dev.
0.005788
R-Squared
0.999281
Mean
0.570647
Adj R-Squared
0.997125
C.V. %
1.014273
Pred R-Squared
N/A
PRESS
N/A
Adeq Precision
96.02109

The above fitted regression equations were further analyzed by error statistics and the results are presented in Tables 7-9. If the value of the fitted term Pr > F of ANOVA is less than 0.05, the model is significant; if the value of the fitted term Pr > F is greater than 0.05, the model is not significant, i.e., the model is well fitted throughout the regression region of the study. The regression model adequately describes the process when the value of Adj R-squared is close to the value of Pred R-squared (RAdj2-RPred2 < 0.2) and both values are high. However, if both values are low, the process is not adequately explained, and some other important factors need to be considered. When the CV is less than 10 per cent, it indicates that the reliability and accuracy of the test is high. Precision (Adeq Precision) is the effective signal to noise ratio and if it is greater than 1, the accuracy is considered reasonable [14]. Tables 4-6 shows that the fitted regression equations comply with the above test principles, indicating their adaptability (Note: SS-Sum of Squares of Variance, DF-Degrees of Freedom, MS-Mean Square, Pr > F-No Significant Effect probability, ** highly significant, * significant).

The analysis shows that the distributions of the residuals are all close to the center straight line, indicating a good adaptation of the response surface fitting model. Figs. 4-6 show the normal probability distribution of the residuals of neck thickness values, interlocking values and bottom thickness values, the distribution of the residuals with respect to the predicted values and the distribution of the predicted values with respect to the actual values, respectively. Fig. 10 shows the response surface plots of each interaction factor for neck thickness value, interlock value and bottom thickness value. The effect of any two factors on the response surface interaction can be visualized from the above figure to determine the optimum factor level for the indicator.

Fig. 4Residual error distribution of neck thickness

Residual error distribution of neck thickness

a) Normal probability distribution

Residual error distribution of neck thickness

b) Predicted vs. actual value distribution

Fig. 5Distribution diagram of interlock value residuals

Distribution diagram of interlock value residuals

a) Normal probability distribution

Distribution diagram of interlock value residuals

b) Predicted vs. actual value distribution

Fig. 6Residual distribution of bottom thickness value

Residual distribution of bottom thickness value

a) Normal probability distribution

Residual distribution of bottom thickness value

b) Predicted vs. actual value distribution

The results in Fig. 7 agree with the results of the ANOVA of the regression equation Y1 for the values of neck thickness. From Fig. 7(b), there is a significant interaction effect of punch diameter and stamping speed. The maximum effect of mold depth on neck thickness value is followed by stamping speed, while the minimum effect of punch diameter is observed.

Fig. 7Effect of A, B and C on neck thickness values

Effect of A, B and C on neck thickness values

a)y=fA,B response surface

Effect of A, B and C on neck thickness values

b)y=fA,C response surface

Effect of A, B and C on neck thickness values

b)y=fB,C response surface

Fig. 8Effect of A, B and C on interlocking values

Effect of A, B and C on interlocking values

a)y=fA,B response surface

Effect of A, B and C on interlocking values

b)y=fA,C response surface

Effect of A, B and C on interlocking values

b)y=fB,C response surface

Fig. 8 shows that die depth and punch diameter have significant effect on the interlocking values. The most significant interaction effect is between punch diameter and die depth, followed by the interaction effect between die depth and stamping speed. There is also an interaction effect between die depth and press speed.

From Fig. 9, the interaction between die depth and stamping speed is significant and is an important variable affecting the value of bottom thickness, but the interaction between punch diameter and both die depth and stamping speed respectively is not significant.

Response surface interaction analysis shows that the concave die depth, punch speed and punch diameter are all critical dimensional parameters that affect the joint. Analysis of the results of the response surface methodology shows that the ideal dimensions of the die are a punch diameter of 5.24 mm, a die depth of 1.44 mm, a punching speed of 5.00 mm/s. For the values of neck thickness, interlocking and bottom thickness, the most obvious of the pairwise interactions of neck thickness, interlocking and bottom thickness values is the pairwise interaction of punch diameter and concave die depth.

Fig. 9Effect of A, B and C on bottom thickness values

Effect of A, B and C on bottom thickness values

a)y=fA,B response surface

Effect of A, B and C on bottom thickness values

b)y=fA,C response surface

Effect of A, B and C on bottom thickness values

b)y=fB,C response surface

4. Optimization of the process parameters for clinching using response surface testing

4.1. Target optimization and experimental validation

The response surface methodology was used to determine the following stamping parameters: punch diameter of 5.24 mm, die depth of 1.44 mm, stamping speed of 5.00 mm/s. In addition, the model was optimized using response surface software and the optimized parameters are shown in Table 10.

Table 10Optimal parameter combinations and indicator projections

Optimal combination of parameters
Optimization of target prediction values (Unit: mm)
Punch diameter / mm
Depth of concave die / mm
Stamping speed / (mm/s)
Neck thickness value
Interlock value
Bottom thickness value
5.24
1.44
5.00
0.447
0.426
0.582

Numerical simulations were performed in DEFORM-3D with the friction coefficient set to 0.2. As shown in Fig. 13, the predicted thickness of the response surface is 0.420 mm at the neck, 0.412 mm at the interlock, and 0.574 mm at the bottom. This corresponds to the corresponding relative errors of 5.96 %, 3.29 % and 1.37 %, respectively, as predicted by the response surface optimization objective. According to literature [14], the interlock value Tu indicates the reliability of the riveted joint. The higher the Tu value, the more reliable the riveted joint is and vice versa. The lower the Tn value, the more prone the riveted joint is to fracture.

Fig. 10Joint process parameters

Joint process parameters

4.2. Experimental verification of optimization results

Practical experiments were carried out based on the desired test parameters and the obtained experimental values were compared with the model predictions to further test the validity of the response surface method. The riveting experiments were carried out on a WDW-100 microcomputer-controlled electro-hydraulic servo composite testing machine by stacking two plates on a concave mold. The punch position was adjusted to hold the plates in place, the preload force was entered to compress the plates, and the punch speed was entered in the software to move the punch downwards. The connected plates were then pressed into the recessed die until they filled the die with the preload force. The test procedure is shown in Fig. 14. After the riveting was completed, a wire cutter was used to cut the test piece along the center of the test piece to obtain an axial section of the riveted joint. The evaluation metrics were measured using a video meter and the results are shown in Fig. 11 and Table 11.

Fig. 11Rivet joint experiment

Rivet joint experiment

The relative errors of the objective predictions for the response surface optimization were 13.42 % for the neck thickness, 4.23 % for the interlock value and 2.23 % for the bottom thickness.

The inverted shape produced by the plates riveted using the optimized process parameters is more complete as shown in Fig. 12. According to literature [15], the range of bottom thickness value is 20 % of the plate thickness. The optimum bottom thickness value is 0.569 mm. the smaller the value of the bottom thickness, the smaller the possibility of separation of the upper and lower plates and the higher the reliability of the connection, provided that the quality of the connection is guaranteed. By comparing the simulation error, the actual test error, and the target prediction error for response surface optimization, the neck thickness value has the largest error. This is since the neck of the aluminum alloy plate is subjected to the greatest tensile force during the clamping process and the internal metal grain movement in this area is also the most intense. These results show that the target optimization prediction model provided by response surface analysis is a reasonable, fast, and efficient method.

Fig. 12Experimentally obtained joint shape

Experimentally obtained joint shape

Table 11Test measurement results

Combination of mold parameters
Measured value (Unit: mm)
Punch diameter / mm
Depth of concave die / mm
Stamping speed / (mm/s)
Neck thickness value
Interlock value
Bottom thickness value
5.24
1.44
5.00
0.387
0.408
0.569

4.3. Riveted joint strength and failure mode prediction

After the riveting is completed, the plates are lapped as shown in Fig. 13, and the riveting is implemented in the center region of the lap, and then the specimens are subjected to tensile shear experiments on the tensile equipment shown in Fig. 14(a), with a tensile shear speed of 5 mm/s. According to the joint failure mode prediction method given in reference [16], the prediction equations for the tensile shear strength of the joints are derived in this paper as follows:

6
F=βηπσud2+tn2-d22,

where F is the maximum shear force that the joint can withstand; β is the proportionality coefficient, aluminum alloy is usually taken as 0.7; η is the rotational compensation coefficient of the joint in the case of pulling and shearing, and it is 1.55 for 1.5 mm thick aluminum alloy plate; σu is the ultimate strength of the upper plate.

Under the optimal parameters obtained according to Eq. (6), the tensile shear strength of the joint is 1.739 KN. Fig. 14(b) shows the joint damage form of shear fracture of the plate, and the experimental load-displacement curves of the plate in the process of shear are shown in Fig. 15, which indicates that the experimental value of the joint tensile shear strength is 1.8 KN and is higher than that of the theoretically calculated value, with an error of only 3.4 %. The rivetless riveted joint tensile shear experiments show that the response surface method optimized joint strength to meet the requirements and get a small range of enhancement.

Fig. 13Schematic diagram of a stretched sample

Schematic diagram of a stretched sample

Fig. 14Tensile test

Tensile test

a) Tensile testing equipment

Tensile test

b) Riveting point neck break failure

Fig. 15Load-displacement curve

Load-displacement curve

5. Conclusions

1) A new optimization experiment method, BBD Response Surface Method, is used to carry out the riveting quality optimization design test, to establish a prediction model between the punch diameter, concave die depth and stamping speed, and to consider the influence of each factor on the neck thickness value, interlocking value and bottom thickness value, the optimal combination of the process parameters is determined as follows: the punch diameter of 5.24 mm, the depth of the die is 1.44 mm, the stamping speed of 5 mm/s. The obtained neck thickness of the riveted head under this process parameter is 0.387 mm, the interlocking value is 0.408 mm, and the bottom thickness value is 0.569 mm. Under this process parameters, the thickness of the riveted head neck is 0.387 mm, the interlock value is 0.408 mm, and the bottom thickness value is 0.569 mm.

2) ANOVA is performed on the response surface model to determine the influence of each factor on the optimization objective as follows: punch diameter and die depth are the two factors with the most obvious interaction. The mold depth has the most significant effect on the key dimensional parameters of the joint, followed by the stamping speed and then the punch diameter. The experimental results show that the model has high accuracy, and the BBD response surface method is very suitable for riveted joint quality optimization.

3) By comparing the calculated joint strength with the experimentally obtained joint strength. The results show that the response surface optimization method improves the strength of the joint, which verifies that the riveting parameters obtained by the response surface method are real and reliable, and the maximum destructive shear load of the joint is 1.8 KN, which meets the riveting requirements.

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About this article

Received
12 September 2023
Accepted
29 October 2023
Published
04 November 2023
Keywords
parameter optimization
response surface analysis
rivetless joining process
numerical simulation
joint strength tests
Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Shaanxi Provincial Natural Science Basic Research Project (No.: 2023-JC-YB-452).

Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Author Contributions

Shi Liu was mainly responsible for the final data collection and analysis, as well as the planning of the research content and thesis writing. The revision of the research results and thesis is mainly responsible by Yongqiang Zhao. The creation of the finite element model is mainly responsible by Dahai Wang. Numerical simulation and analysis were carried out by Miao Yuan Mei and Tao Huang. Data collation and analysis were mainly responsible by them.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.