Rivets in Aerospace Manufacturing

A rivet is a metal device used to fasten two materials together. The most common materials fastened together by rivets are aluminum alloys. Rivets are cylindrical in shape and have a head on one end. The characteristics of the heads are variable and are determined by the specific function they serve and the forces on the materials they fasten together. Holes must be drilled through the materials in the desired location of the rivets. The holes for the rivets are very important to the success of the riveted joint. If the hole is too large or too small, or if it is not straight then failures could occur in the riveted joint. The locations of the holes are determined by a few calculations dealing with the thickness of the materials being fastened together and the loads the material can withstand. These calculations can also be used to determine the size of the rivets and the type of rivet to be used. There are different methods of installing rivets as well as different tools or machines to perform the riveting. The most common types of rivets, tools, and methods will be discussed. Riveting is used in many industries, but the focus will be on the aerospace industry.

Types of Rivets | Riveting Techniques | Advantages of Riveting | Limitations of Riveting | References |

    The rivets team consists of the following members:

• Lew Bedford
  
• Adam Bram
  
• Wes Gimbert
  
• Matthew Johnson
  
• Edward Yu