Structural Rivets
Solid and Blind Rivet Assemblies
Structural rivets are permanent mechanical fasteners—encompassing solid rivets for high-shear sheet-to-frame joints and blind rivets for single-sided installation—used across lunar structures where bolts are impractical. Fabricated from alloys such as 2017-T4 aluminum, Monel, and A286, these fasteners are matched to structural materials to prevent galvanic corrosion while resisting vacuum-induced cold-welding to surrounding components. Automated assembly requires robotic squeeze or percussive tooling engineered for precise force control. Because riveted connections are permanent, component replacement or structural modification requires mechanical drilling, which generates hazardous particulate debris in the lunar vacuum.
Riveted connections for permanent structural joints where bolts are not practical
Purpose
Riveted connections for permanent structural joints where bolts are not practical
Context
Child of L2-STR-FAST
Principles
- ▸Solid rivets provide highest shear strength for permanent sheet-to-frame connections
- ▸Blind rivets (Cherry/Huck) enable installation from one side when back access impossible
- ▸Rivet material matched to joined materials to prevent galvanic corrosion
- ▸Rivet installation by robotic squeeze or percussive tool
Typical implementations
- ▸NAS 1097 countersunk solid rivets
- ▸Cherry Aerospace blind rivets for space
- ▸Huck BobTail lockbolts for semi-permanent connections
Lunar considerations
- ▸Permanent connections - rivet removal requires drilling which creates debris
- ▸Rivet material must not cold-weld to surrounding structure in vacuum
- ▸Robotic rivet installation requires precise force control
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Riveted connections for permanent structural joints where bolts are not practical |
Physical
| materials | Monel rivets, Aluminum 2017-T4 solid rivets, A286 blind rivets |
Interfaces
Provides
- Permanent structural connections
Requires
- Robotic rivet installation tools
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Structural Rivets" (L3-STR-FAST-RIVET). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-STR-FAST-RIVET
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.