Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

On the numerical prediction of the torque-to-turn-value of a blind rivet nut

  • Original Research
  • Published:
International Journal of Material Forming Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In the present paper, finite element simulations are used to gain a better understanding of the setting process of a blind rivet nut. A blind rivet nut is a mechanical fastener capable of clinching materials whilst providing a threaded solution without the need for thread forming. The technique relies on plastic deformation introduced by axial compression of the rivet nut in such a way that a counter head is formed on the opposite side of the work piece. For certain applications, stresses in the plate material induced by the setting process are detrimental for the fastener’s integrity. Hence an improved design of the fastener is desired. To embark on such a redesign, an appropriate numerical model to reveal the influence of several parameters is indispensable. In this work, a strategy is presented to simulate the setting process involving large plastic strains and contact pressures. An FE based inverse method was used to identify the local plastic material properties of the blind rivet nut. The forming simulation was validated in terms of predicted shape of the rivet nut and the evolution of the setting force. A quasi-static FE model using the shape and solution variables of the deformed rivet nut was used to reproduce the torque-to-turn resistance as a function of the setting force. The strategy was successfully applied on two blind rivet nuts, different in geometry and base material. Finally, three industrial case studies confirmed the viability of the model.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Messler R (2004) Joining of Materials and Structures. Elsevier, New York

    Book  Google Scholar 

  2. Aurich JC, Kirsch B, Müller C, Heberger L (2014) Procedia CIRP

  3. Thoppul SD, Finegan J, Gibson RF (2004) Composites Science and Technology

  4. Manes A, Giglio F, Viganò F (2011) International Journal of Mechanical Sciences

  5. Van de Velde A, Coppieters S, Denys K, Maeyens J, Debruyne D (2017) Proceedings of the 20th international ESAFORM conference on material forming

  6. Cheraghi SH (2007) International journal of advanced manufacturing technology

  7. Glackin JJ, Gowen EF, Keeney CJ (1968) Development of fasteners technology for beryllium point drive bolds and blind fasteners. Tech. rep., SPS Laboratories

  8. Wanner MC, Henkel KM, Herzogt P, Fuchs N, Glienke R (2009) Einsatz von blindgenieteten funktionselementen in ausgewählten bauteilwerkstoffen. Tech. rep., Universität Rostock, Fakultät für Maschinenbau und Schiffstechnik

  9. Klasztorny M, Nycs D (2014) Shell Structures: Theory and Applications, vol 3. CRC Press, Chap. Modelling and numerical study of blind rivet nut / bolt joints of composite shell segments

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  10. Yoo SY, Kim CH, Kweon JH, Choi JH (2016) Composite structures

  11. MatchID (2016) MatchID software (http://www.matchidmbc.com)

  12. Simulia Abaqus version 6.13

  13. Design G (2017) CES EduPack

  14. Simulia Abaqus anlysis user’s guide 6.11

  15. Denys K, Coppierters S, Cooreman S, Debruyne D (2016) Mechanics of Materials

  16. Coppieters S, Lava P, Sol H, Van Bael A, Van Houtte P, Debruyne D (2010) Determination of the flow stress and contact friction of sheet metal in a multi-layered upsetting test. J Mater Process Technol 210:1290–1296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Coppieters S, Kuwabara T (2014) Identification of Post-Necking Hardening Phenomena in Ductile Sheet Metal. Exp Mech 54:1355 753

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. (1994) Military Standardization Handbook. Defense Automated Printing Services

  19. Reithmaier LW, Leavell S, Bungay S (1991) Standard aircraft handbook. Blue Ridge Summit

  20. Maeyens J, Reul A, Van Leugenhaeghe S (2018) Blindklinkbevestiger en werkijze voor de productie daarvan Belgium Patent F16B 37/06 - BE1025150

Download references

Acknowledgements

The presented results are part of the TETRA project “A Total Approach in Hybrid Joining” funded by the Flemish government agency “Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship” (VLAIO).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Technologiecampus Gent, Gebroeders De Smetstraat 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium

    A. Van de Velde, S. Coppieters & D. Debruyne

  2. Dejond NV, Terbekehofdreef 55-59, Wilrijk, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium

    J. Maeyens

  3. Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Kasteelpark Arenberg 44, 3001, Leuven, Belgium

    M. Wevers

Authors
  1. A. Van de Velde
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Coppieters
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. J. Maeyens
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Wevers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. D. Debruyne
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to A. Van de Velde.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interests

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

de Velde, A., Coppieters, S., Maeyens, J. et al. On the numerical prediction of the torque-to-turn-value of a blind rivet nut. Int J Mater Form 13, 127–141 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12289-019-01476-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12289-019-01476-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation