Study on Fatigue Life Enhancement Mechanism of Riveted Structures Based on Load Control

The fatigue life analysis of riveted structures is influenced by multiple factors and involves complex mechanisms. To investigate the characteristics of fatigue behaviour and dominant factors, a typical riveted structure was selected as the study object. Systematic strength tests and fatigue tests were conducted, combined with finite element strength calculations and fatigue life assessment based on the BS7608 standard. This approach revealed the staged evolution law of the riveted structure’s fatigue behaviour. The failure modes and surface characteristics of the specimens were analysed in detail during the tests. The location of initial fatigue crack initiation under different loads exhibited a certain regularity, which significantly affected the fatigue life of the riveted structure. By comparing the finite element analysis with the test data, the dominant factors at each stage were identified. The results quantified the behavioural characteristics of different stages and proposed a critical load control method to effectively improve the fatigue life. This study provides a theoretical basis for the design optimization and life assessment of riveted structures.