Abstract

In this paper, a simplified finite element model to represent a riveted lap joint in structural dynamic analysis field is proposed. The rivet is modeled by spring‐damper combination elements. Several numerical models are studied with different quantities of rivets (1, 2, 3 and 5) and spring‐damper combination elements (4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20) per rivet. Experimental samples of two aluminum material plates connected by different quantities of rivets (1, 2, 3 and 5) are built and tested in order to be known its modal characteristics ‐ natural frequencies and mode shapes. A finite element model updating methodology is used in order to get the best numerical riveted lap joint representation relatively to the experimental samples. An evaluation of the best numerical riveted lap joint is carried out based on the comparison between the experimental and numerical resonance frequencies after updating. It is shown that the riveted lap joints composed by eight and twelve spring‐damper combination elements per rivet have the best representation. A stiffness constant value is obtained for the riveted lap joints in study