Relationship between local strain energy density and fatigue life of riveted Al-Li alloy plate

As an important assembly technology in aviation manufacturing, the riveting process has significant effects on the fatigue performance of aircraft skin, especially on Al-Li alloy plates. A finite element model was established by ABAQUS to simulate the riveting process of 2060-T8 Al-Li alloy plates. The distribution of strain energy in Al-Li alloy riveted plates under different riveting forces was analysed by finite element model. The local energy density within the range of 0.4 mm radial thickness along the hole wall of the lower plate was suggested as the key area to affect the fatigue life of the riveted structure. Finally, a fatigue life prediction model for 2060-T8 Al-Li alloy riveted panel was proposed based on the local energy density method. The life prediction model is verified, and all predicted results are distributed within a factor of 2-scatter band. This work provides support for the application of 2060-T8 Al-Li alloy in aviation manufacturing process.