Abstract: Riveted structures are often subjected to tensile loads at different loading rates, and the tensile rate has a significant impact on the strength of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP)-metal riveted structures. To investigate the effect of loading rate on the single and double lap riveted joints strength of CFRP/Al, a numerical model of CFRP/Al single and double lap riveted joints was established using the VUMAT subroutine function in ABAQUS. This model is based on continuum damage mechanics, the 3D Hashin failure criterion, and strain rate effects. The study examined the impact of four tensile rates-1 mm/s, 100 mm/s, 200 mm/s, and 300 mm/s—on the strength of single and double lap riveted joints, and tensile tests were conducted to validate the accuracy of the numerical model. The results indicate that as the tensile rate increases, the strength of both single and double lap riveted joints also increases, with a more significant increase observed in double lap riveted joints. Additionally, as the tensile rate increases, the degree of damage to CFRP decreases, indicating that higher tensile rates have a noticeable suppressive effect on CFRP damage.

Key words: blind rivet, carbon fiber reinforced composites, tensile rate, finite element analysis