What is the role of a fastener in aircraft structures?

The role of a fastener in aircraft structures is primarily to securely attach components and maintain structural integrity. Fasteners are crucial in ensuring that different parts of the aircraft, such as wings, fuselage, and empennage, are assembled in a manner that can withstand various forces experienced during flight, including tension, compression, and shear. By providing a strong connection between components, fasteners help prevent structural failure, which is essential for the safety and reliability of the aircraft.

While minimizing weight, improving aerodynamics, and providing thermal insulation can be important considerations in aircraft design, they are not the primary functions of fasteners themselves. The primary goal of fasteners is to ensure that the aircraft's structure remains secure and intact under operational conditions, thereby contributing directly to overall safety and performance.