| Abstract Scope |
This study explores the utilization of 3D-printed fastening mechanisms in single-lap joints. Two different fastening mechanisms were developed which were further evaluated through experimental and numerical analyses. For the first mechanism, the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique is employed to print conventional nomenclature rivets using three different materials, namely PLA, PETG, and CFRN. Two different printing sequences, i.e., horizontal, and vertical were used. The rivets were thermomechanically deformed in the Al and Acrylic sheets to form joints. The joints were then tensile tested where the horizontal infill pattern rivets exhibit higher load-carrying capability. However, the load-carrying capability of each material differs with the printing sequence. The failure mode of the 3D printed rivets also deviates with printing patterns, i.e., trans-laminar for vertical sequence and inter-laminar for horizontal sequence. For the second approach, a new approach is proposed where Al-acrylic sheets are joined together by printing the rivets directly on the sheets. A metallurgical bond was found in addition to the mechanical bond between the acrylic sheet and PLA rivets, thereby changing the failure from rivet failure to net sectioning of the acrylic sheet. |