Problem: An aluminum rivet of diameter 2.5 mm is used to attach two aluminum plates. If the plates are slightly separated (by 0.6 mm) and opposite forces of 9000 N are applied to the plates, by how much will the plates move?
Solution: Aluminum's shear modulus (Table 12.1) is 25 GPa. Using the formula for the shear modulus,
Comment: This is acceptable. If the sideways displacement is visible, the rivet should be replaced (and the plates made closer together). 9000 N represents a load of about 918 kg!