What is the minimum spacing for a single row of aircraft rivets?

The minimum spacing for a single row of aircraft rivets is based on the need for adequate load distribution and structural integrity. When determining the spacing between rivets, a common guideline is to use a spacing distance that is three times the diameter of the rivet shank. This ensures that there is enough distance to prevent compromising the material surrounding each rivet, thereby avoiding potential weaknesses due to concentrated stresses that could lead to structural failure.

Selecting this distance helps maintain the performance and safety of the aircraft structure. It allows for efficient load transfer between rivets and enables the material to retain its essential strength properties in the areas surrounding fasteners. This guideline is crucial in various applications such as airframe assembly, where the integrity of every connection is vital for overall aircraft safety and performance.