What is rivet pitch?

Rivet pitch refers to the distance measured from the center of one rivet to the center of the next rivet in the same row. This measurement is crucial in the design and fabrication of structures because it affects the strength and integrity of the joint created by the rivets. The correct understanding of rivet pitch ensures that loads are distributed evenly across the riveted structure, which is essential for maintaining the overall stability and safety of the airframe.

The other definitions relate to different aspects of rivets. For instance, the distance between rivets in adjacent rows addresses a different structural consideration, as does the length of the rivet shank and the width of the rivet head. While these details are important for evaluating the overall performance and installation of rivets, they do not define rivet pitch specifically.