What occurs if genuine rivet tipping happens in a stressed skin metal wing assembly?

In a stressed skin metal wing assembly, genuine rivet tipping refers to the condition where the heads of rivets become tilted from their original perpendicular position relative to the skin of the structure. This tipping typically occurs due to improper installation or excessive load on the rivets.

When genuine rivet tipping takes place, it generally results in groups of consecutive rivet heads being tipped in the same direction. This pattern arises because rivets installed closely together are impacted by the same load conditions and installation practices. When rivets are subjected to the same stresses, it's likely that they will experience similar misalignment, leading to a uniform tipping direction across adjacent rivets.

This consistent tipping in one direction can compromise the integrity of the joint, potentially reducing the strength and performance of the wing structure. As such, recognizing this characteristic of rivet tipping is crucial in maintaining the quality and safety of aircraft structures.