Electromagnetic Riveting Technique of Joining Metals to Polymer Composites in Hybrid Multi-material Aerospace Structures

Modern titanium alloys and innovative polymer composites are envisaged as promising contributors in developing composite multi-material aerospace structures in near future by aerospace industries. The structural complexity demands multiple parts, which are to be assembled by joining technique in order to accomplish the targeted lightweight structure. Conventional riveting techniques cause severe bearing damages while riveting composites due to the inference with non-uniformity and leads to restrict the application of conventional riveting in composites. Bolted joints are alternative solutions for composite structures. They however lead to increase in the weight and cost of the structures. Hence, electromagnetic riveting has emerged out as a promising candidate in the recent years, since it provides positive solutions with uniform interference and lightweight structures. The current work exhibits a comprehensive understanding on joining mechanism and nature of electromagnetic riveting toward the development of composite hybrid lightweight aerospace structures. Overcoming challenges such as inadequate degree of deformation and formability issues, electromagnetic riveting offers three times superior fatigue properties, uniformity in interference, minimal impact damage, homogeneous expansion, etc., that make it a lucrative choice for aerospace manufacturers.