Bucking Rivets on the B-17D "The Swoose" скачать в хорошем качестве

Bucking Rivets on the B-17D "The Swoose"

Here's a look at rivets, clecos, and a bucking bar used on the tail section of the B-17D "The Swoose" during restoration at the National Museum of the USAF in June of 2025. This aircraft is the oldest surviving B-17 Flying Fortress and the only D model in existence. Originally named Ole Betsy, this B-17D participated in several bombing missions in the desperate weeks after Pearl Harbor. Later named The Swoose, it also served as a transport for the commander of Allied air forces in the Southwest Pacific, Lt. Gen. George Brett. Creating the "Shop Head": A bucking bar is a solid piece of metal held against the tail (the unformed end) of a solid rivet while a rivet gun (a pneumatic hammer) strikes the factory head (the pre-formed end) on the other side. Deforming and Upsetting: The impact from the rivet gun, opposed by the weight and rigidity of the bucking bar, causes the rivet shank to deform and expand, forming a second head, called the "shop head" or "bucktail," on the opposite side. Secure and Permanent Fastening: This deformation process, known as upsetting or bucking, permanently secures the rivet in place, creating a strong and durable joint between the aircraft components. Counteracting Rivet Gun Force: The bucking bar provides crucial back-up support to counteract the force of the rivet gun, ensuring the rivet is set correctly and preventing distortion of the surrounding material.