Following are the two types of riveted joints depending upon the way in which the plates are connected -
(i) Lap Joint & (ii)Butt Joint
A Lap joint is that in which one plate overlaps the other and the two plates are riveted together.
A Butt joint is that in which the main plates are kept in alignment butting each other and a cover plate or strap is
placed on either one side or both sides of the main plates. The cover plate is then riveted together with the main
plate.
Butt joints are classified as single cover butt joint and double cover butt joint.
In a single cover butt joint, the edges of the main plates butt against each other and only one cover plate is placed
on one side of the main plate and then riveted together.
In a double cover butt joint, the edges of the main plates butt against each other and two cover plates are placed
on both sides of the main plates and then riveted together.
Riveted joints are also classified into two types depending upon the number of rows of the rivets are used for the
joint, they are :- (i)Single Riveted joint & (ii)Double Riveted joint
A single riveted joint is that in which there is a single row of rivets in a lap joint or a butt joint.g
A double riveted joint is that in which there two rows of rivets in a lap joint or a butt joint.
A multiple riveted joint is that in which there are more than two rows in a lap joint or a butt joint. It may be a triple
or a quadruple riveted joint.
A chain riveted joint is that in which every rivet of a row is opposite to the other rivet of the other row.
A zig-zag riveted joint is that in which the spacing of the is zig zag in order.
A diamond riveted joint is usually adopted in a butt joint only. It is a joint in which the number of rivets decreases as
we proceed from the innermost row to the outermost row of the rivet.
STRENGTH OF A RIVETED JOINT
The strength of a riveted joint may be defined as the maximum force which the joint can transmit without
causing it to fail.
Three important factors are to be determined to decide the strength of the riveted joint :-
1. Tearing Strength
2. Shearing Strength
3. Crushing Strength
When a riveted joint is subjected to a tensile force and when such force increases, the riveted joint will fail at
the moment when one of the deciding factors (tearing strength or shearing strength or crushing strength)
reaches its maximum.
The following formulas are used to determine the strength of the joint :-
Tearing Value = (P-d) * t *ft
Shearing Value = {(3.14d*d)/4}*fs*3.14*n.................Single shear
" 2n...............Double shear
Crushing Value = fc*d*t*n
where,
p = pitch of the rivet
d = diameter of the rivet hole
t = thickness of the plate
n = number of rivets
ft = permissible tensile strength for the plate material
fs = permissible shearing strength for the rivet material
fc = permissible crushing strength for the rivet material
RIVET LAYOUT
Rivet layout essentially consist of determining :-
1. The number of rivets required
2. The size and the style of the rivets used
3. The rivet material
4. Tempered condition of the rivet
5. Strength of the rivet
6. Size of the rivet hole
7. Distance of the rivet holes and rivet from the edges of the patch
8. The spacing of the rivets
The type of head , size and strength required in rivet are determined by 3 factors, they are :-
1. Forces present at the point riveted
2. The kind and the thickness of the material to be riveted
3. Location of the riveted parts on the aircraft
The type of head required for a particular job is determined by its installation location,
1. Where a smooth aerodynamic surface is required, Countersunk rivets should be used
2. Universal head rivets are used in other location
RIVET SPACING
The edge distance or the distance from the centre of the first rivet to the edge of the sheet should be not less than
2 Rivet diameters (2D) and not more than four.
The recommended edge distance is about 2.5D
Rivet pitch is the distance between the centre of adjacent rivets in the same row ,the smallest allowable rivet pitch
is 3D.
Transverse pitch is the perpendicular distance between rivet rows.
Transverse pitch is usually equal to 75% of the rivet pitch.
The smallest allowable transverse pitch is 2.5D.
DRIVING OF RIVETS
Two methods are commonly used in aircraft construction and maintenance, they are Compression riveting & Gun
Riveting.
Compression or squeeze riveting is often used when a large number of rivets must be installed in a location where
both sides of the machine are accessible to a clamp type riveter.
The majority of the rivets used in aircraft maintenance and repair are driven with rivet guns and bucking bars.
During the squeeze riveting operation each rivet is upset in a single operation.
During the squeeze riveting operation all the rivet heads are applied with uniform pressure and all the heads are
formed alike and all the rivet shank is sufficiently and uniformly expanded to completely fill the rivet hole.
The gun riveting process involves the following steps :-
1. Install the correct rivet set.
2. Adjust the hitting force on the gun.
3. Install the rivet in the hole and position the rivet set against the rivet head.
4. Select the correct bucking bar and position it against the rivet shank.
5. Drive the rivet.
6. Evaluate the rivet.
Before driving any rivet, it must be ensured that all holes line up perfectly. All shavings and burrs should be
removed and the parts to be riveted are secured and fastened together.
REMOVAL OF RIVETS
When removing a rivet for replacement, ensure that the rivet hole will retain its original size and shape and
replacement with a larger size rivet.
If the rivet is not removed properly, the strength of the joint may be weakened and the replacement of rivets may
be more difficult.
When removing a rivet, always work on the manufactured head, because it is more symmetrical about the shank
than the shop head and there will be a less chance for damage.
Initially, file the flat area on the head of any round or brazier head rivet and use a centre punch to flat the surface
for drilling.
If the process is done on thin metals, back up the rivet on the upset head when centre punching to avoid
depressing the metal.
The dimple in 2117-T rivets eliminates the necessity of filing and centre punching the rivet head.
Select a drill one size smaller than the rivet shank and drill out the rivet head.
Drill the rivet to the depth of its head, while holding the drill at an angle of 90 degrees.
Do not drill to deep because the rivet shank will turn with the drill and cause a tear.
Drive out the shank of the rivet with a drift punch smaller than the diameter of the shank.
BENDING OF PIPES
Tubes having less than 1/4th" in diameter are usually bent without the use of the tube bending tool.
Tubes having larger than 1/4th" in diameter are usually bent with the use of the tube bending tool.
The tubes are normally bent carefully to avoid excessive flattening, kinking, or wrinkling.
A small amount of flattening in the bends is acceptable, but the small diameter of the flattened portion must not be
less than 75% of the original outside diameter.
Before the star of the bending operation, block one end of the tube, fill the tube with dry sand and block the other
end.
Both the blocking must be tight so that they will not be forced out when the bending is done.
Position the tube over the forming block and bend the tube carefully.
Instead of using dry sand, it is advisable to use a fusible alloy for filling and packing the tube.
When the fusible alloy is to be used, the operation of filling and its removal is usually done using hot water.
When the tube bending operations are over, all particles of the filter are to be removed properly so that none will
be carried into the system in which the tube is installed.
BEADING OF TUBES
Tubes may be beaded with a hand beading tools, with machine beading rolls or with grip dies.
The method to be used depends upon the diameter and wall thickness of the tube and the material from which it
was made.
The hand beading tool is used with tubes having 1/4th" to 1" outside diameter.
The bead is formed by using the beader frame with the proper rollers attached.
The inside and outside of the tube is lubricated with light oil to reduce friction between the rollers during beading.
The size marked on the rollers are for the outside diameter of the tubes.
Separate rollers are required for the inside of each tube size.
Beading machines are normally used for beading large diameter tubings over 1 15/16", unless special rollers are
supplied.
Grip dies are used to bead small diameter tubings.
FLARING OF PIPES
Two kinds of flares are generally used in aircraft plumbing systems. They are single flare & double flare.
Flares are frequently subjected to extremely high pressures.
The flare on the tubing must be properly shaped.
A flare made too weak produces a weak joint which may leak or pull apart.
A flare made too large interferes with the proper engagement of the screw thread on the fitting and will cause
leakage.
A crooked flare is the result of the tubing not being cut squarely.
The flare and the tubing must be free from cracks, dents, nicks, scratches or any other defects.
The flaring tool used for aircraft tubing has male and female dies ground to produce a flare of 35 to 37 degrees.
By the flaring process the outside diameter of the flare should extend approx. 1/16th of an inch beyond the end of
the sleeve, but should not be larger than the major outside diameter of the sleeve.
Double flare is not necessary on the tubings.
The double flare is smoother and more concentric than the single flare end.
The double flare is more resistant to the shearing effect of torque.
Inspect the hose for general deterioration which may be recognized by discoloration, flaking, hardening,
circumferential cracking of the outer cover.
The general deterioration do not render the hose unserviceable unless the cracks penetrate to the braid.
Inspect the hose for chafing and cuts on the outer cover.
Light chafing and cuts are acceptable if the braiding is not exposed.
Inspect the hose for kinks which is usually caused by incorrect installation or by mishandling. Any kinked hose must
be considered to be permanently damaged and must be scrapped.
Inspect the hose assembly for corrosion on the wire braid or on end fittings. If found corroded, replace the hose
assembly with a new one.
Inspect the hose for signs of contamination, which may be identified by swelling, sponginess, hardening or
disintegration of the surface. Contaminated hoses should be rejected.
Inspect the hose for sign of overheating which may be identified by scaling, crazing or discoloration of the surface.
Inspect the hoses for blisters on the outer synthetic rubber cover.
BALL TEST
o With the hose assembly suspended from one end, a ball should pass freely through the assembly under its
own weight and without lubrication.
o The check should be repeated from the opposite end and if the ball fails to pass through the hose in either
direction the hose must be rejected.
o The diameter and material of the ball are specified by the manufacturer and vary with the design of the
hose, but a steel ball having a diameter of approx 90% of the bore of the end fittings is generally used.
FLOW TEST :- The main purpose of the flow test is to ensure that the hose assembly is capable of passing a given
quantity of fluid in the time under the conditions specified.
PRESSURE TEST
o Pressure tests are usually carried out with fluids that are similar to that which the fluid will be carried in
service.
o However there are some exceptions for pneumatic and oxygen hoses, and also for petrol hoses:-
Paraffin is usually recommended for testing petrol hoses as it is safer.
Pneumatic and oxygen hoses are usually tested with water and then thoroughly dried out with a
warm air blast.
o Oxygen pipes must not be contaminated with oil, and should not be connected to a compressor for test
purposes.
o Hoses should be pressure tested 1.5 times their max working pressure.
BONDING TEST
o Where hose assemblies have metal wire braid reinforcing or embody any form of metal in their
construction, a bonding test should be carried out.
o A bonding tester is to be used, and the resistance recorded should be less that 0.050 ohm or 0.025 ohm per
foot length, whichever is greater.
CLAMPING OF PIPELINES
Support clamps are used to secure the various lines to the airframe or powerplant assemblies.
Different types of support clamps are used to secure the aircraft pipes such as plain clamps, rubber cushioned
clamps and Teflon cushioned clamps.
Plain clamps are used to secure lines in areas that are not subject to vibration.
Rubber cushioned clamps are used to secure lines subject to vibration to prevent chafing.
Teflon cushioned clamps are used in areas where the deteriorating effect of Skydrol 500 hydraulic fluid or where
fuel is expected.
Bonded clamps are used to secure metal hydraulic, fuel and oil lines in place.
Un-bonded clamps are used to secure electrical lines.
Remove the paint or anodized paint from the portion of the tube at the bonding clamp location.
Ensure that the clamp used are of correct type and correct size.
Use of smaller size clamp than the outside diameter of the pipeline may restrict the flow of fluid in the pipeline line.
All plumbing lines must be secured at specified intervals
CLEANING OF BEARINGS
It is mandatory to wipe all the grease adhering to the outer surfaces of the bearing in order to clean it thoroughly
for further examination.
Use of dry compressed air is permitted to dislodge the sticking grease on the cage and rolling elements of the
bearings.
During the de-greasing process, the bearing should not be allowed to rotate.
The bearings should then be soaked in white spirit to remove any remains of grease in it.
It is permissible to oscillate or turn the races slowly to ensure that all foreign matter from inside the bearing.
After cleaning, the bearing should be dried with clean, warm and dry compressed air, taking care to permit only
very slow rotation, and lightly lubricated with oil to prevent corrosion.
REMOVAL OF BEARINGS
Bearings are usually removed from the shaft by three methods :- removal with handpress, with bearing extractor &
with hammer and soft metal protector.
Apply the force for removal, to the inner ring when removing the bearing from the shaft, and the outer ring when
removing it from the housing.
Apply even force around the side of the bearing at a right angle.
While using a hand press, be sure that the arbor centre and the bearing centre are aligned, and the inner ring is
supported by a bearing support plate.
If the plate supports the outer ring only, a driving force passes through the outer ring to the inner ring through the
balls, causing brinell dents on the outer ring, which will lead to premature failure.
Mount the bearing extractor in such a way that the extractor arms extends upto the bearing and the central shaft
of the extractor rests against the shaft.
When removing the bearing with a bearing extractor, use a piece of soft metal to protect the shaft from being
scratched.
Bearings can be removed with a soft hammer.
In all cases, apply less amount of force while tapping in order to remove the bearing.
MAINTENANCE OF BEARINGS
INSPECTION OF BEARINGS
LUBRICATION OF BEARINGS
OIL BATH LUBRICATION:- this method is used for lubricating bearings that are used for low to moderate speed of
rotation. The static oil level should never be higher than the centre of the lowest positioned rolling element in the
bearing lubricated. This method results in excessive operating temperature due to the churning effect.
WICK FEED LUBRICATION:- the wick employs either capillary action or gravity to transfer the oil from the reservoir
to bearing. Napthathetic and synthetic oils are preferred for wick oilers.
DRIP FEED LUBRICATION :- this method is used on bearings that are operated at moderate speeds. The oil is
introduced through a filter. The oil is controllable and is determined by the operating temperature of the particular
application.
OIL SPLASH LUBRICATION:- this method is used primarily in gear cases where the bearing and gear lubricant is
common. The lubrication of bearings is a gear box, other than the one of the slow speed, is usually not critical as
the oil splash from the gear teeth is sufficient to lubricate the bearings.
CIRCULATING OIL LUBRICATION:- this method utilizes a circulating pump to assure a positive supply of lubricant to
the bearing. This method is used on bearings which operate on slow to moderate speeds and high temperature
power transmission applications.
OIL MIST LUBRICATION:- this method is used on bearings that operate at high speeds and continuous operation
applications. This method permits close control of the amount of lubricant reaching the bearing. The oil may be
atomize or metered by compressed air or picked up from a reservoir using a venturi effect. The air that is supplied is
filtered and is supplied under sufficient pressure to ensure adequate lubrication of the bearings
OIL MIST LUBRICATION:- this method is used where the bearing is operated at high speeds and take heavy loads
and works at high temperature. It is necessary to lubricate the bearing individually under pressure to provide
adequately large scavenging drains to prevent the accumulation of oil after passage through the bearing.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANTS
The most important property of the lubricant is its viscosity.
High viscosity lubricants are most suitable for bearing applications that experience wide temperature variations.
The pour point is the lowest temperature at which a fluid will flow of can be poured.
The higher the viscosity number the greater the resistance to flow.
It is important in applications exposed to low temperatures that the lubricating fluid selected has a pour point
lower than the lubricating fluid selected has a pour point lower than the minimum ambient temperature.
Oxidation stability depends upon the fluid type, refining method and whether or not oxidation inhibitors are
present
DEFECTS IN BEARINGS
FAILURE IN BEARINGS
FATIGUE FAILURE :- it is the identified by flaking or spalling of the normally smooth raceway and by their noisy
running. It is the result of a bearing living out its normal life span, which depends on the load and the speed
imposed on the bearing. Premature failure may result from the bearing being either radially or axially loaded
beyond its normal capacity. The use is non-bearing quality steel will result in fatigue of the bearing and results in its
failure.
THRUST FAILURE:- it occurs due to improper mounting or excessive thrust given on a bearing not primarily intended
for heavy thrust load.
LUBRICATION FAILURE:- stiffness of grease or change in its color is the indication of lubrication failure. The first
indication of lubrication failure is a rapid rise of temperature from the norma operating limits. Causes of this failure
is due to the use of dirty lubricants, too much or inadequate lubrication and inadequate viscosity of lubricant.
BRINELLING:- it is identified by mounting indentation and radial indentation. It appears as tiny indentations on the
shoulder of the race.
FALSE BRINELLING:- it is identified by axial indentation, circumferential indentation and roller indentation.
Brinelling due to axial indentation appears as elliptical impressions.
INSPECTION OF GEAR
INSPECTION OF BELTS
INSPECTION OF PULLEYS
Inspect the pulleys for roughness, sharp edges and presence of foreign material embedded in the grooves.
Inspect the pulleys bearings to ensure proper lubrication.
Inspect the pulleys bearings for smooth rotation and freedom from flat spots, dirt and paint spray.
In the cable system, maintain the pulley alignment to prevent the cable from riding on flanges and chafing against
guards or adjacent structure.
Check the pulley brackets and guards for damage, alignment and security of attachments.
Inspect the pulleys for markings on its groove by the cable due to excessive cable tension, for pulleys being too
large for the size of the cable due to frozen bearing.
INSPECTION OF CHAINS
INSPECTION OF SPROCKET
Inspect the push pull rod for corrosion, crack, dent etc.
Inspect the push pull rod for any bend. This should be checked on a surface table.
Inspect the push pull rod for the condition of its end fitting threads.
Inspect the condition of the bearings fitted on the end fittings for free movement.
END FITTINGS
Swaging is an operation in which a metallic end fitting is secured to the end of a cable by plastic deformation of the
hollow shank of the end fitting.
The end of the cable is applied with a anti-corrosive element (grease) and is inserted into a hollow shank of the
fitting and the shank is than squeezed in a swaging machine so that it grips the cable.
Manufacturers of the cable assembly normally swage with rotary machines.
Swaging is also carried out on a portable swaging machine which squeezes the shank of the end fitting between
dies.
After the process is over, the terminal shank diameter is checked to find out whether the swaging done is proper or
not. The Go/No Go gauge is used to check the cable terminal after swaging.
Check that the correct combination of cable end fittings has been used.
Check the diameter of the swaged end fitting. If the end fitting are over swaged, the cable and the end fittings must
be rejected.
Check by means of inspection hole or point mark, that the cable is correctly engaged in the end fittings.
Ensure that the shank is smooth, parallel and in-line with the head of the fitting and that the swaged shank length is
correct.
Inspect the fittings for cracks with a magnifying class (10x) or carry out a crack detection test using magnetic or dye
penetrant.
TELEFEX CABLES
The Teleflex system of remote control is installed in aircraft to operate from the pilot's cockpit, components such as
engine control, propeller control, trim control and fuel valves.
The Teleflex system can also be used for other systems such as indication of undercarriage movement and the
position of flaps.
This system is not always Teleflex throughout. In many instances cables, chains or linkages are used for the part of
the control run in connection with Teleflex components for the final or initial path
The main principle of the Teleflex system is a flexible transmitting cable operating on a rigid conduit.
The cable may be wound with a continuous left hand or right hand helix wire.
In most instances, the helix wire engages with the teeth of a suitable gear wheels at the transmission and receiving
ends of the control run.
The advantage of Teleflex over Bowden is that :- It provides more accurate and positive control and the controlled
component can be temporarily locked in any desired position.
BOWDEN CABLES
These cables are used for such purposes as cabin heater controls, trim tab controls, indicator movements and
operation of differential valves on Dunlop airbrakes.
The Bowden control is intended normally for PULL operation only and may be fitted with a return spring.
The return spring may be either in tension or in compression.
If the return spring is in tension, the spring pulls the cable back through the conduit when the pressure is released
from the operating lever.
If the return spring is in compression, the spring pulls the cable back through the conduit and the cable is returned
to its original position. In this case the return spring is fitted between the end if the conduit and the end of the
cable.
For positive movement in either direction, a twin control is used.
At the transmitting end of the control, the fitting takes the form of a hand lever. At the receiving end, the cable is
connected usually by an end fitting to the component to be operated.
The control consists of a wire cable housed in a flexible conduit.
On some installations, rigid tubing is used to house the cable over long straight runs, while flexible conduit is used
for bends or sections, where there is a relative motion.
The cable normally used in Bowden controls are made of non - corrodible stainless steel wires.
The surrounding conduit consists of a closely coiled wire covered with cotton braiding, and finished with a black
waterproof coating.
INSPECTION
A typical Bowden cable control might be a brake lever on the control column operating a remote
brake control valve.
Maintenance of Bowden cable systems is usually restricted to cleaning and lubrication of the inner
cable at regular intervals and adjustment of the outer conduit (e.g. if the brakes needed adjustment).
The lubrication would keep moisture out of the cable to prevent it freezing at low temperatures.
The Teleflex cable system is more complex than the Bowden cable system in that the operating
cable, within the conduit, is actually a number of spirally wound cables which surround a core tension
cable, giving it support. This allows the cable to transmit a push force as easily as a pull force, doing
away with the need for any form of return spring.
A typical use of a Teleflex system might be a throttle lever to engine fuel control system connection.
The Teleflex cable system is a snug fit within the conduit and, because there might be the chance of it
becoming seized, due to foreign objects, dirt or freezing, it is vital that the inner cables are regularly
removed, cleaned and lubricated with low temperature grease. It is also important that the conduits
are thoroughly cleaned using a form of ‘pull-through’, prior to the inner cable being installed.
At longer intervals, it might become necessary to inspect the outer conduit for signs of damage or
kinking; which can cause the control to become tight or ‘notchy’.
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