The self‐piercing riveting (SPR) process is gaining popularity because of its many advantages. This study investigated the fatigue strength of SPR joints in tensile‐shear specimens with dissimilar Al‐5052 and steel sheets. A structural analysis of the specimen was conducted. For this specimen, the upper steel sheet withstood applied load in a monotonic test and played a major role in the low‐cycle region. In the high‐cycle region, however, the harder surface of the upper steel sheet reduced the fatigue strength by enhancing fretting crack initiation on the opposite softer aluminium surface. Therefore, the fatigue endurance of the specimen was reduced. The fatigue endurance of a SPR joint with the combination of steel and aluminium sheets was found to be governed by the strength of the lower sheet, which is more vulnerable to the applied loading. Thus, it is desirable to use a stronger metal sheet as the lower sheet with regard to the fatigue performance. Scanning acoustic microscopy was effectively used to reveal and prove the formation and growth of subsurface cracks in SPR joints. The structural stress can predict the fatigue lifetimes of the SPR joint specimens within a factor of three.

e investigated the feasibility of producing high strength AI alloy sheets with high solute contents using a twin roll strip caster equipped with an asymmetric nozzle. The combination of twin roll casting and the asymmetric nozzle used in this study reduced centreline segregation and hot tear, thereby increasing the casting speed. These features of the strip casting allowed the dissolution of more solute elements, suggesting the potential development of high strength AI alloys with a range of Mg contents up to 10 wt-%. The workability and mechanical properties of the cast strips were also evaluated to assess the feasibility of producing high strength AI alloy sheets superior to the present limit of conventional techniques.