Illustration of riveting method for energy storage chassis

What rivets are used in aircraft construction?

They are mainly used for non structural applications. The B rivet with a cross on its head contains about 6 % magnesium and is used for riveting magnesium structures. The AD or 2117 rivet, identified by a dimple in the center of its head, is by far the most common rivet in aircraft construction.

How is riveting performed?

Riveting is mostly performed by teams using various kinds of signals, since communication by voice is usually difficult in operations such as riveting of a fuselage. The power transmissions in the rivet joint consist of two parts. See Fig. 16.

What is a power transmission in a Rivet Joint?

The power transmissions in the rivet joint consist of two parts. See Fig. 16. The first part is the friction force that results from the preload of the rivet, creating a bearing stress. The second part arises when the sheets start to move, trying to shear off the rivet. When the joint reaches a critical level the rivet shears off.

What are ice box rivets?

Beside these standard solid rivets, new types of plastic rivets are be-ing developed. These are intended for fibre-reinforced materials. Ice box rivets are heat-treated, tempered and then placed under refrigeration to delay the age hardening process. They are kept this way until just before they are driven with the rivet gun.

Why is riveting still used?

Riveting with the help of power tools has existed for more than a century. In spite of recent advances in other methods, such as gluing and tightening, riveting is still a leading method in aircraft and other lightweight constructions where the high strength sheet metal is not weldable. There are several reasons for this:

What is the tolerance of a rivet?

The most critical areas, where a high degree of aerodynamic smoothness is required are shown in fig. 5. In the shaded area of the picture the rivet shall be flush within tolerance 0.00 to 0.05 mm, while in other areas up to 0.18 mm is acceptable . Rivets with no head marking are made of 1100 aluminum and called A rivets.