Abstract: After establishing the finite element three-dimensional contact analysis model of rivet connection, the preload is applied through the preload element method, with the screw y-coordinate as the optimization variable, and the maximum stress of the screw as the optimization goal. The genetic algorithm program is complied with MATLAB to realize the joint simulation and optimization of MATLAB and ANSYS. Through the optimization of rivet position, a new method for optimizing the rivet layout in engineering is proposed. With this method, the specified index can be set as the optimization target, including the maximum stress of the plate, the maximum stress of the screw, the extrusion stress of the plate, etc. The constraint can be realized through the penalty function, and the optimization of a certain target of the engineering connector can be achieved.