AS a refinement that permits a smoother external or wetted surface of the airplane, and thus adds to aerodynamic cleanness, flush riveting of the plane's skin is of utmost importance, Mr. Berlin points out. The ultimate object of the research reported, he explains, was to outline the problem of determining and providing requisite tools. No attempt is made in his paper to treat the aerodynamics and strength characteristics of flush riveting.
Among the phases of riveting that required careful analysis in the solution of the problem noted especially by Mr. Berlin are appearance, strength, processing methods, economics of production and sources for equipment and tools. Time studies were employed extensively, and close contact with the production departments was maintained in the work. A prodigious amount of attention to detail was required to coordinate the many activities in which the significance of some conditions could not be anticipated and additional investigation often was necessitated, the author reports.
There is no sanction for the contention that flush riveting in production quantities cannot be employed, except at an excessive and unavoidable cost penalty, he concludes.