Mechanical clinching and self-pierce riveting for sheet combination of 780-MPa high-strength steel and aluminium alloy A5052 sheets and durability on salt spray test of joints

Abstract To increase the usage of high-strength steel and aluminium alloy sheets for lightweight automobile body panels, joinability sheet combinations including a 780-MPa an A5052 by mechanical clinching self-pierce riveting was investigated different tool shapes in experiment. All except two riveting, i.e., sheets, steel-aluminium were successfully joined both joining methods without gaps among rivet sheets. Then, to show durability corrosion behaviour joint strength aged salt spray test measured. The load reduction clinched riveted little. galvanized layer progressed, then after 1176 h decreased 85%. In progress slowed down 24%. thickness occurred near minimum upper surface on edge lower sheet, whereas top mainly corroded joint. caused reductions, flange sheet. Although coating about 20%, use brought decrease 11%. It found that is effective due corrosion.