Mechanical Joining of Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites to Metals—A Review. Part II: Riveting, Clinching, Non-Adhesive Form-Locked Joints, Pin and Loop Joining

Abstract

As fiber reinforced plastic composites gain an increasingly larger share in aerospace structures, the problem of joining them with metal elements becomes significant. The current paper is the second part of the literature review, which gathers and evaluates knowledge about methods suitable for the mechanical joining of composite and metal elements. This paper reviews the joining methods other than bolted joining, which are discussed in the first part of the review, namely self-piercing riveting, friction riveting, clinching, non-adhesive form-locked joints, pin joints, and loop joints. Some of those methods are full-fledged and employed in commercial applications, whereas others are merely ideas tested at the level of specimens. The current review describes the ideas and the qualities of the joining methods as well as the experimental work carried out so far. The summary section of this paper contains a comparison of those methods with the reference to their qualities, which is important from the point of view of a composite structure designer: possibility of the joint disassembly, damages induced in composite, complication level, weight penalty, range of possible materials to be joined, and the joint strength.

Clinching of Thermoplastic Composites and Metals—A Comparison of Three Novel Joining Technologies

“…Often single-lap shear tests, transverse tensile load tests and peel tests at quasi-static load application are performed [ 27 ]. The most common method is the single-lap shear testing, for both metal and composite joints [ 28 ]. For this reason, single-lap shear tests are carried out for the assessment of the different clinching technologies in this paper.…”

Experimental investigation of Al5052‐H32/PETG hybrid clinched joints

“…In addition, in terms of manufacturing process improvement, some novel connection techniques have also been proposed in recent decades, including adhesive bonding, self-piercing riveting, mechanical clinching, laser welding, friction stir clinching, etc. [6][7][8] Compared with the other advanced joining approaches, the mechanical clinching technique is more conducive to achieving lightweight owing to the advantages of low energy consumption and no additional parts. 9,10 Hence, considerable work on the mechanical clinching technique has been accomplished in recent years.…”

3D X-ray Microscopy of Ultrasonically Welded Aluminum/Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Hybrid Joints

“…Conventional and currently industrially used form-fit joining processes for light metal/FRP joints in multi-material design, especially rivet or screw connections, are widely used due to their high reliability and easy handling. Due to the cut-outs required for assembly, usually in the form of drilling holes in the joining partners, this joining technology significantly reduces the structural performance of the components [ 3 , 4 ]. The interruption or deflection of the load-bearing fiber path restricts the advantages of fiber-reinforced plastics.…”