Methods of increasing electromagnetic conduction within a structural joint assembly

A method of increasing EME conduction between a fastener and at least two structural elements secured together by the fastener after assembly of the fastener and the structural elements, at least one of the structural elements formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, and the fastener including a shank portion;

• the method including:
• a) forming a first hole through a first structural element and a second hole through a second structural element, each of the first hole and the second hole defining sidewalls;
• b) melting and applying a conductive coating to the shank portion of the fastener to form a coated shank portion;
• c) installing the coated shank portion of the fastener through the first and second holes to complete the assembly;
• and
• d) after assembly, applying heat to the fastener sufficiently to remelt and reflow the conductive coating.

A method of increasing EME conduction between a fastener and at least two structural elements secured together by the fastener after assembly of the fastener and the structural elements, and at least one of the structural elements formed of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the fastener having a shank portion, the fastener also including a cylindrical sleeve having an interior portion frictionally fixed to the shank portion;

• the method including:
• a) forming a first hole through a first structural element and a second hole through a second structural element, each of the first hole and the second hole defining sidewalls;
• b) melting and applying a conductive coating to an exterior portion of the cylindrical sleeve;
• c) installing the cylindrical sleeve and the shank portion of the fastener through the first and second holes to complete the assembly;
• and
• d) after assembly, applying heat to the fastener sufficient to remelt and reflow the conductive coating.