Advantages of Some New Fastener Systems

Recent developments in fastener systems for aircraft structural applications include extensive use of titanium and the application of oversize or interference fit systems. Titanium can be efficiently used to effect structural weight savings approaching 1% of the total vehicle structural weight due to generally higher strength-to-weight ratio when compared to steel. The improved structural reliability attainable with interference systems can be employed to gain additional weight savings of approximately 3% of the structural weight. The combined use of titanium and the interference principle in a fastener system is shown to achieve weight savings on a large cargo transport of almost 4% of the total structural weight.