What is the primary purpose of refrigerating 2017 and 2024 aluminum alloy rivets after heat treatment?

The primary purpose of refrigerating 2017 and 2024 aluminum alloy rivets after heat treatment is to retard age hardening. Both of these aluminum alloys are commonly used in aerospace applications due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. After heat treatment, these alloys undergo a natural aging process that enhances their strength. However, this aging can happen at room temperature over time, which may lead to workability issues during installation.

By refrigerating the rivets, the aging process is significantly slowed down. This allows for a longer working time during installation, ensuring that the rivets maintain their desirable properties until they are actually used. This practice helps in ensuring that the rivets can be easily installed without becoming too hard or brittle.

While considerations like prevention of oxidation and corrosion resistance are relevant in the broader context of metal treatment, the key focus for refrigeration of these specific alloys post heat treatment is to manage the aging process effectively.