<div>This article presents a strategy for the virtual calibration of a large-scale
model representing a self-piercing rivet (SPR) connection. The connection is
formed between a stack of three AA6016-T4 aluminum sheets and one SPR. The
calibration process involves material characterization, a detailed riveting
process simulation, virtual joint unit tests, and the final large-scale model
calibration. The virtual tests were simulated by detailed solid element FE
models of the joint unit. These detailed models were validated using
experimental tests, namely peeling, single-lap joint, and cross-tests. The
virtual parameter calibration was compared to the experimental calibration and
finally applied to component test simulations. The article contains both
experiments and numerical models to characterize the mechanical behavior of the
SPR connection under large deformation and failure.</div>