What type of rivets are typically used in aircraft structures for their high-strength characteristics?

Solid rivets are commonly used in aircraft structures due to their exceptional strength and structural integrity. These rivets are made from materials such as aluminum, steel, or titanium, which contribute to their high load-bearing capabilities. When properly installed, solid rivets create a permanent and very strong mechanical bond between two or more sheets of material, making them ideal for critical load-bearing applications in aviation.

Their installation process involves using a riveting gun to deform the tail of the rivet, which secures the rivet tightly in place, ensuring a reliable joint that can withstand the stresses encountered during flight. This type of rivet is particularly advantageous in areas where high fatigue resistance is essential, such as on the wings and fuselage of an aircraft.

While other types of rivets, such as blind rivets and pop rivets, are useful in specific applications, they typically do not match the strength and reliability of solid rivets for structural components that require high-performance fastening. Blind and pop rivets are often used in situations where access is limited and where the joint does not require the same level of strength. However, for the primary structural assembly of aircraft, solid rivets are the preferred choice.