The structural analysis and strength evaluation of the rivet nut joint for composite repair

In this paper, we test and analyze the strengths of various specimens that are repaired using the rivet nut method. Single lap joint specimens with four different w/d (width to diameter) ratios and three e/d (edge to diameter) ratios were manufactured and tested. Tensile tests were performed on the rivet nut joints and their failure modes were evaluated. Additionally, the failure loads of the rivet nut joints were compared to those from using mechanically bolted joints. Finite element analyses of the rivet nut joints were performed and the stresses around the holes were calculated. Finally, the experimental failure modes and loads were compared with those determined from the finite element analyses.