Abstract: This study investigates the failure mechanisms of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP)/Al alloy single-lap riveted joints under different clearance-fitconditions and loading rates. a 3D progressive damage model for CFRP/Al single-lap blind riveted joints (single-nail single-lap joints) was established using the Abaqus user-defined subroutine VUMAT, based on a modified Hashin failure criterion and stiffness degradation law. Numerical simulations of the riveted joints under different clearance-fit conditions and loading rates were conducted, complemented by corresponding tensile tests, to investigate the coupled effects of rivet-hole clearance and loading rate on the failure mechanisms of CFRP/Al single-lap joints. The findings reveal that as clearance increases from C_1 to C_3 , the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the joint decreases, with average failure strengths under C_2 and C_3 clearance conditions reduced by 0.83% and 2.8%, respectively, compared to C_1 . At a constant clearance, increasing the loading rate from 1 mm/s to 300 mm/s enhances the joint’s compressive strength, yield strength, and failure strength by 5% to 10%. The maximum relative error between the simulation and experimental results is less than 10%,confirming the model’s ability to accurately reproduce nonlinear mechanical responses across different loading rates and predict dynamic interlayer crack propagation in CFRP and hole-wall fracture morphology at joint failure. This study provides a theoretical basis and simulation reference for impact-resistant design of aerospace composite connections.