Numerical simulation study on the forming process of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer riveting structure

Purpose In order to improve the rationality of the design of carbon fiber composite riveting structures in engineering products and reduce physical tests, the stress changes of various parts during the carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) riveting process, the influence area of hole edge stress and the damage of CFRP plates were studied from the perspective of numerical simulation. The reasonable arrangement requirements of composite riveted structures, installation speed and damage characteristics of CFRP plates in engineering applications are obtained. The research results provide technical references for the design and installation of composite riveting structures in engineering products. Design/methodology/approach Taking the forming process of the riveted structure between countersunk blind rivets and CFRP plates as the research object, the forming principle of countersunk blind rivets and the damage characteristics of CFRP plates were analyzed. Using contact nonlinearity theory, the anisotropic material modeling method and the Hashin failure criterion, the stress changes in various parts during the riveted joint forming process, the influence area of stress at the hole edge of the rivet holes and the damage of the CFRP plates were analyzed. Findings Reasonable rivet layout spacing was obtained; the peak stress of the rivet assembly increases with the increase of the rivet installation speed, and the influence area of the hole edge on the CFRP plate is a circular area with an outward extension radius of 0∼6 mm. Therefore, the arrangement distance between rivets is greater than the ring area, the damage law and installation speed of CFRP plates are given, the damage extends inward from the first layer of the laminates and the installation speed of 15 mm/s can satisfy the requirement of riveting installation better. Originality/value The riveting and forming process under different speeds is analyzed from the perspective of numerical simulation, and the stress variation rule of each part of the rivet and the damage of the CFRP plate under each speed are obtained. Reasonable rivet arrangement requirements and installation speed were given. This study provides technical support for the rivet arrangement method and mechanical property analysis of CFRP riveted structures in complex engineering products.