This paper discusses the corrosion test results for aluminum to steel lap-shear joints fabricated from three aluminum alloys using four different mechanical fasteners. The evaluations included exposure to alternate immersion (AI) and 100% relative humidity (RH) corrosion tests after phosphating and applying a 25 μm E-Coat (i.e., electrolytic coating) to the completed assembly. Lap-shear test results showed that specimens fabricated using self-piercing rivets and solid rivets exhibited strengthening after 30-60 days exposure to AI or RH testing, which was subsequently followed by a decrease in tensile strength as aluminum base metal deterioration began to control the mechanical properties. Metallographic examination suggested the strengthening effect resulted from corrosion product buildup which produced compressive stresses on the joint members. The data indicated that stainless steel fasteners do not limit the corrosion performance of mechanically fastened aluminum to steel joints fabricated from bare sheets which are primed after assembly. The data also indicated that utilization of sealants in mechanically fastened aluminum/steel joints significantly improve corrosion performance of aluminum/steel joints.

Subject
Materials performance, Aluminum, Solids, Joints, Base metals, Corrosion products, Mechanical failure, Sealants, Tensile strength, Steel, Fasteners, Aluminum alloys, Relative humidity
Keywords:
alternate immersion, aluminum/steel joints, joint strengthening, lap-shear, mechanical fasteners, relative humidity
© 1995 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1995
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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