Static and Fatigue Performance Prediction in the Riveted and Hybrid Double Shear Lap Joints

By the present paper, a numerical model was proposed to estimate the fatigue life of hybrid (riveted and bonded) double lap joints. In order to enhance the performances of our double lap joints in particular the equivalent rigidity and the ultimate resistance, initially, a static study was made. From the contour plots of normal, shear and equivalent stresses, a sensitivity study was carried out on the effects of thickness of the substrates, rivet diameter and the overlap length. After that, a numerical model was developed to evaluate the fatigue life of the hybrid double shear lap joint. Comparison between riveted and hybrid joints in term of the distribution of the normal and shear stress was evaluated for two connections configurations. In addition, hysterical normal stress-strains response at critical location showed that the use of the hybrid assembly greatly improves mechanical strength and service life compared to basic double shear riveted joints.