Page 18 - 11月技术月刊

Solid rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners – the ‘glue’ that holds an aircraft
structure together. Tens of thousands of solid rivets are used on each aircraft,

from the fuselage to the wings and tailplanes. Installing them, however, is not
always a simple process. A traditional solid rivet is most commonly made from
aluminium alloy and combines light-weight with medium strength. It consists of a
smooth cylindrical shaft with a pre-formed head (either protruding or
countersunk) and a tail on the other.
During installation on an aircraft, the rivet is inserted in a drilled hole from one
side, while the tail is ‘bucked’ (deformed), either by hand or with a pneumatic
tool. The tail expands and holds the rivet in place like a nut does with a bolt. Once
installed, the rivet completely fills the hole – unlike a bolt – and creates a secure
joint.