The high strength-to-weight ratio of magnesium alloys makes them attractive for automotive applications. These materials have been used for the engine cradle, seat frame, and shock tower applications to reduce vehicle weight. Despite these advantages, there are limiting factors to the application of magnesium alloys. One of these factors is the joining of magnesium alloys. Although there are various joining processes available, self-piercing riveting (SPR) is particularly promising. It provides not only the speed but also the necessary structural strength. However, because of the large amount of deformation associated with the process and the limited formability of magnesium at room temperature, SPR often results in part cracking of the riveted magnesium alloys, which reduces the part quality. In this study, a method of preheating the magnesium alloy before riveting was adopted to improve the joint quality. The fabrication of the desired SPR joints was investigated as a function of the preheat temperature and strain rate. To determine the optimum preheat temperature, Zener–Hollomon parameter was employed. Experiments were conducted to validate the proposed preheat temperature. Magnesium alloy AZ31 with a thickness of 2 mm was preheated with various temperatures prior to self-piercing riveting. The appearances, cross-sections, and mechanical tests of the SPR magnesium AZ31 joints were investigated. It was found that a preheat temperature of 180–200°C largely eliminated the discrepancies in SPR 2 mm thick magnesium AZ31 joints. The joint strength increases with increasing preheat temperature from ambient to 200°C. The strength increase is attributed to the reduction in joint discrepancies and an increase in mechanical interlock between the rivet and work pieces. The current findings on the development of a method can be used to determine the preheat temperature for self-piercing riveting of magnesium castings.
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June 2011
Research Papers
Self-Piercing Riveting of Wrought Magnesium AZ31 Sheets
Y. Shang,
Y. Shang
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
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A. L. Liu,
A. L. Liu
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
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M. X. Wang,
M. X. Wang
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
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R. N. Sun,
R. N. Sun
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
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Pei-Chung Wang
Pei-Chung Wang
Manufacturing Systems Research Lab, General Motors Research and Development Center, 30500 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48090
e-mail: pei-chung.wang@gm.com
Search for other works by this author on:
Y. Shang
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
A. L. Liu
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
M. X. Wang
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
R. N. Sun
Key Lab of Material Physics, School of Physics Engineering,
Zhengzhou University
, No. 75, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450052, China
Pei-Chung Wang
Manufacturing Systems Research Lab, General Motors Research and Development Center, 30500 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48090
e-mail: pei-chung.wang@gm.com
J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. Jun 2011, 133(3): 031009 (9 pages)
Published Online: June 9, 2011
Article history
Received:
June 23, 2010
Revised:
April 3, 2011
Online:
June 9, 2011
Published:
June 9, 2011
Citation
Wang, J. W., Liu, Z. X., Shang, Y., Liu, A. L., Wang, M. X., Sun, R. N., and Wang, P. (June 9, 2011). "Self-Piercing Riveting of Wrought Magnesium AZ31 Sheets." ASME. J. Manuf. Sci. Eng. June 2011; 133(3): 031009. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004138
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