Experimental Evaluation for the Interference-fit Electromagnetic Rveting Joint with Headless Rivet

Abstract Electromagnetic riveting (EMR) technology as a relatively new mechanical joining process has many advantages compared to traditional riveting methods. However, it needs to be investigated whether the traditional pressing riveting can be replaced by EMR process in aerospace manufacturing engineering. Therefore, in this paper, the differences of riveting quality between automatic riveting and handheld EMR were compared by riveting and mechanical experiments including the uniformity of interference fit, shear and pull-off strength and fatigue life of the joints respectively. It was observed that the interference fit of the riveting joint using EMR is more uniform along the axial direction of rivet than that of automatic riveting. In addition, the overhang of the rivet was difficult to control by handheld EMR, so the quality of rivets for EMR was poorer than that of automatic riveting. Thus, the shear and pull-off strength and fatigue life of EMR joints were affected by the quality of rivets, and a longer rivet is needed for the EMR.