Approaches for mechanical joining of 7xxx series aluminum alloys

This paper shows a numerical and experimental analysis of the different problems occurring during or after the conventional self-pierce riveting with semi-tubular and solid rivets of the high strength aluminum alloy EN AW-7021 T4. Furthermore this paper describes different pre-process methods by which the fracture in the high strength aluminum, caused by the self-pierce riveting processes, can be prevented and proper joining results are achieved. On this basis, the different approaches are compared regarding joint strength.