Abstract

The vibration caused by rivet-guns and bucking bars used in the aerospace industry may cause vibration syndrome, and the high noise levels generated by these tools may cause in hearing loss. Control of both noise and vibration thus appears essential in this sector.

To reduce the vibration generated by the periodic impact of rivet-guns on sheet metal, vacuum pumps will be used to attach muffling pads to the structures being worked. Hollow bucking bars filled with a heavy powder which dissipates vibration trough friction will also be assessed.

The muffling pads should reduce noise levels by 6 dBA, while the hollow bucking bars should further reduce noise levels by 2-3 dBA and reduce vibration levels. Both these modifications should reduce the risk of developing hearing loss. The results of this project could eventually be applied in other industrial sectors which rely on riveting, e.g. bus and train fabrication.