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Investigation into the Preload Application Behavior of Grooved Rivet Connections

Author(s)

Tao Yu, Shuai Dong*, Xu He, Qi Li, Xiaolian Zhang

Affiliation(s)

Meishan CRRC Fastening System Co., Ltd., Meishan, Sichuan, China *Corresponding Author

Abstract

Ring-grooved rivets, as a type of special fastener, play a critical role in wind power equipment structures, where their connection reliability directly affects the structural integrity of key components such as wind turbine towers, nacelles, and blade connections. To investigate the preload formation mechanism of high-strength ring-grooved rivets used in wind power applications, this paper systematically analyzes the stress state of the bushing during the installation process. Finite element analysis software was employed to conduct numerical simulations of the bushing forming behavior, stress distribution characteristics in the rivet groove region, and material flow patterns during the riveting process. Preload detection tests were carried out under different displacement lengths using a smart displacement-controlled pump station. The results indicate that the preload of wind power ring-grooved rivets originates from the multi-stage locking effect formed by the progressive filling of the bushing material into the rivet grooves under axial compression, with the final preload being the cumulative result of the compressive forces at each stage. This study can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the engineering application and process optimization of ring-grooved rivets in the wind power sector.

Keywords

Ring-Grooved Rivet; Wind Power Equipment; Preload; Finite Element Simulation; Bushing Forming; Multi-Stage Locking Effect

References

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