Electro-hydraulic rivet and method of riveting and welding parts

摘要

A method of riveting two metal parts through a hole with an electro-hydraulic riveting tool. The electro-hydraulic riveting tool includes a tube that is inserted in the hole and an electrode that is inserted within the tube. A liquid is contained within the tube and the electrode is immersed in the liquid. A stored charge is discharged through the electrode to create a shockwave within the fluid that forms the tube into a rivet structure and creates solid state weld between the rivet flanges and the parts that are joined.

主权项

1. A rivet adapted to secure two parts together that define a hole comprising:
a tubular member that extends through the hole from a first side of the two parts to a second side of the two parts, the tubular member including an electrode and a liquid contained within the tubular member, and a stored charge connected to the electrode that is adapted to create a shockwave within the liquid in order to deform the tubular member into a predetermined shape such that a first flange engages the first side and a second flange engages the second side; and wherein upon discharge of the stored charge, the electrode forms a shockwave, which creates a first solid state weld between the first flange and the first side and a second solid state weld between the second flange and the second side.