Ability of Joining Composite Structures with Metal by Riveting

The technology of repairing the composite coverings of the MiG-29 airframe provides for the possibility of repairing with the use of metal battens, connected with the composite cover by riveting, with the use of metal washers protecting the composite against damage during rivet upsetting. Tests were carried out to check the possibility of replacing the composite covering repairs with solid rivets with blind rivets, which would eliminate the necessity for the troublesome disassembly and assembly of the damaged covering. The conducted research shows that the threaded blind titanium rivets meet the requirements to be substitutes for solid rivets. The performed numerical calculations show that in riveted joints, an important role in the load transfer is played by the friction forces between the joined elements, and the value of these forces depends on the pressure of the head and the tab. Titanium blind threaded rivets provide higher pressure than cold-headed ones.