The Use of Computed Tomography for Verifying the Correct Assembly of a Snap-Fit Joint in a Thin-Walled Aerospace Structure

Abstract

The paper presents the use possibilities of computed tomography for verifying the correct assembly of a snap-fit joint in a thin-walled aerospace structure. A new generation METROTOM 1500 CT system of Zeiss was used for this purpose. The assembled thin-walled aircraft structure, consisting of a base and a cover, made of EN AW-2024 T351 wrought aluminum alloy, was tested. The base and the cover were connected together by designed snap-fit connection. The inner side of the assembled structure was verified in order to present the strength of computed tomography, which is its advantage over other measurement technologies. The compliance of the real solid with the CAD model as well as the diameters of the holes were tested. Based on the obtained results, it was found that in each case the diameter of the hole was smaller than assumed. In addition, the incompatibility of the real outline with the nominal outline was observed.