Multi-objective optimization of aircraft thin-walled parts riveting quality based on entropy weight gray relational degree and main effect analysis

Purpose This study aims to meet the requirements of better aerodynamic performance and longer service life for new-generation aircraft, higher demands are placed on the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts. Current research on wall panel riveting mainly focuses on the impact of single rivet process parameters on joint strength and fatigue life, neglecting the coupled effects of multiple parameters on the riveting quality of thin-walled parts. This paper proposes a multi-objective optimization method for the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts based on entropy weight gray relational degree and main effect analysis. Design/methodology/approach First, a comprehensive evaluation model for the riveting quality of thin-walled parts is constructed, with optimization objectives including the uniformity of interference deformation, the maximum deformation of thin-walled parts and deformation uniformity. Then, the entropy weight method is used to assign weights to the riveting quality evaluation indices, and the weighted gray relational analysis is used to quantify the correlation between riveting process parameters and evaluation indices. Finally, the main effect analysis method is used to solve for the optimized riveting process parameters, aiming to enhance the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts. Findings Both simulation and experimental results shows that, compared with other optimization methods, the proposed multi-objective optimization method for riveting quality based on entropy weight gray relational degree and main effect analysis can effectively reduce the riveting deformation of thin-walled parts and improve the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts. Research limitations/implications Due to the limitations of experimental conditions and other factors, this paper has not studied the relationship between the interference amount and the circumferential residual stress. The influence law of the process parameters on the riveting quality has only been analyzed based on single-row riveting, and no exploration has been carried out on the influence of the process parameters on the riveting quality after multi-row riveting. In this paper, the riveting quality is only evaluated from the perspective of the deformation of the thin-walled parts, and the riveting strength of the riveted joint has not been evaluated. Practical implications First, the evaluation index of the riveting quality was determined. The riveting hole diameter, the distance between rivets and the thickness of the thin-walled part were selected as the design variables, while the standard deviation coefficient of the deformation of the thin-walled part and the maximum deformation of the thin-walled part were set as the optimization objectives. A variety of methods were comprehensively applied to conduct a multi-objective matching optimization design for the riveting quality. Moreover, the optimization results obtained by various methods were compared to determine the best optimization scheme under the method proposed in this paper. Social implications The optimization method proposed in this paper has guiding significance for the actual aircraft riveting process. Originality/value The novelty of this work lies in the proposal of a multi-objective optimization method for the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts based on entropy weight gray relational degree and main effect analysis. By following the process manual to optimize the riveting process parameters during the manufacturing stage, the evaluation indices of the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts are significantly improved, thus enhancing the riveting quality of aircraft thin-walled parts.