Experimental investigation of local joining element kinematics in mechanical joints and surrogate modelling for crash applications

Subject of this paper is the investigation of the influence of local joint kinematics on the load-bearing and failure behavior of self- piercing riveted (SPR) joints. It can be shown that the local joint kinematics of SPR joints correlate with the failure mechanism of the joint. The kinematics are highly influenced by the material properties of the joining partners. Detailed experimental results from tensile tests on a representative SPR joint are presented, with local joint kinematics quantified using multiple complementary measurement methods (optical measurement, micrographs, in situ computer tomography). Furthermore, results of component tests are shown where the kinematics of the joints have been measured in the same manner. The experimental results are later used to calibrate simulation models for crash application which are used to simulate the specimen and component tests. The results of the investigation show that the local joint kinematic influences the failure behavior of the joint. Simulations of the experimental tests have shown good results, and the investigated models are able to predict the actual joint behavior.