Abstract A riveting method in which rivets are diffusion bonded to the material being riveted is disclosed. A rivet, preferably having a substantially oxide-free surface, is placed in a hole also preferably having a substantially oxide-free surface. The volume around the rivet and hole is preferably enclosed in an inert atmosphere. The rivet and the adjacent surface are heated to diffusion bonding temperatures and the ends of the rivet are squeezed together so that the rivet shank expands into diffusion bonding contact with the hole wall. Simultaneously, the ends of the rivet may be formed into rivet heads and diffusion bonded to the outer surfaces adjacent to the hole. This method is especially suitable for use with high strength, high-temperatureresistant metals such as titanium and other refractory metals.
A diffusion bond riveting method which comprises: inserting a rivet into a hole through a metal object to be riveted; heating said rivet and the hole walls to a diffusion bonding temperature; and squeezing the ends of said rivet toward each other to expand said rivet into intimate contact with the hole walls, whereby diffusion bonding occurs.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A diffusion bond riveting method which comprises: inserting a rivet into a hole through a metal object to be riveted; heating said rivet and the hole walls to a diffusion bonding temperature; and squeezing the ends of said rivet toward each other to expand said rivet into intimate contact with the hole walls, whereby diffusion bonding occurs.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The diffusion riveting method according to claim 1 wherein said rivet and said hole walls are cleaned with a reducing agent before they are heated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
The diffusion riveting method according to claim 1 wherein said object comprises at least two sandwiched titanium members and said rivet and hole walls are heated to a temperature of from about 1700* to about 1800*F.