Durability on alternate immersion test of self-piercing riveting aluminium joint

The aim of the present work is to evaluate durability behaviour and performances of self-piercing riveting joints of aluminium alloys sheets. The investigation was extended to two different total thicknesses (i.e. 3 and 4. mm) of symmetrical or unsymmetrical joints. The joint resistance was determined, by means of shear tests of single-lap joints. Long term ageing tests were performed to evaluate the durability of the mechanical joint in critical environmental conditions. The experimental results evidenced that the corrosion degradation phenomena influenced significantly performances and failure mechanisms of the joints. The authors, furthermore, proposed a theoretical model for sake of predicting the failure modes; a simplified failure map of the failure mechanisms and the effect of the corrosion were drawn. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd.