Analysis of cold expanded fastener holes subjected to short time creep: Finite element modelling and fatigue tests

The beneficial effects of cold expansion have been well documented in previous studies, yet the performance of cold expanded plates exposed to elevated temperatures is an area of technical interest. In this research, finite element (FE) simulations along with experimental fatigue tests have been carried out to investigate the effect of exposure to elevated temperature on residual stress distribution and subsequent fatigue life of cold expanded fastener holes. According to the obtained results, creep stress relaxation occurs due to exposure to 120 °C for 50 h. FE results demonstrate a non-uniform residual stress relaxation regime through the plate thickness around the cold expanded hole and the fatigue test results show that the subsequent fatigue lives have significantly decreased.