The Synthetic Description of the Results, Scientific Achievements and Practical Applications of the Eureka − Imperja Project, E3496! − “Improving the Fatigue Performance of Riveted Joints in Airframes”

The goal of the project was to increase the fatigue life of the riveted joints in order to achieve an increase in the aircraft service life, a smaller number of inspections and, consequently, lower aircraft operating costs. This goal was achieved by the analysis and optimization of the riveting process as well as by improving the fatigue life prediction methods (crack initiation and propagation). The project outcomes enable a more precise fatigue life estimation and an increase in Time Before Overhaul (TBO) for currently used aircraft, as well as optimize the design of new aircraft from the fatigue point of view.