Method for attaching metal members

摘要

A method of attaching metal members, including placing the metal members in contact with each other and fastening them with a metal fastener having a central axis wherein the metal fastener includes an elongated portion having a substantially constant cross-sectional area at any cross-section taken along a length of the elongated portion perpendicular to the axis of the fastener and includes a topographically varying outer surface. The fastener is driven through the metal sheet and into the metal substrate during rotation of the fastener thereby inducing friction between the fastener, the sheet and the substrate for locally melting the members to form a flowable material that solidifies for attaching the members, the flowable material and the fastener together.