A three dimensional finite element model for a single-shear medium load transfer aluminum rivet joint specimen is used to study the installation parameters such as rivet/hole clearance, riveting squeeze force and material strain-rate sensitivity on the response of the joint under high speed loading. Specimen elongation rates ranging between 0.5in/s to 100in/s were used in the simulations. These high speed tests represent the loading experienced by rivet joints in an airframe under the survivable crash events. The finite element models were analyzed using LS-Dyna explicit finite element code. The simulations of the rivet installation induced residual stresses were validated against the experimental data reported in literature. The dynamic analysis of the load transfer specimens addressed the effects of material rate sensitivity, hole clearance ranging between 0.003in to 0.007 in, and installation squeeze force levels of 15, 18 and 24kN, on the behavior of the load transfer specimen. The effects were characterized in terms of the load-displacement behavior, energy absorbed by the rivet and substrates, and the failure modes. From the finite element modeling it has been found that the installation parameters have very little influence on the total load transfer. But, the effect on the transferred load by the fastener alone is distinguishable. By investigating the energy absorption by separate parts it has been found that the maximum energy has been absorbed by the main part near the hole area and this energy absorption capability reduces at higher speed while using strain rate sensitive material properties.