When assembling aircraft panels, what is the preferred method to minimize stress concentrations?

The preferred method to minimize stress concentrations when assembling aircraft panels is to space the rivets evenly. Even spacing allows for a more uniform distribution of load across the panel, which helps to prevent localized stress that can occur when fasteners are clustered too closely together or improperly arranged.

When rivets are evenly spaced, the forces acting on the structure during operation, such as vibrations or dynamic loads, are evenly transferred across the riveted joint. This reduces the likelihood of stress risers, which can lead to material fatigue or failure over time. Proper spacing is critical in maintaining the structural integrity of the aircraft, ensuring a balanced load management, and minimizing the risk of failure at the joint areas.

The other options, while they may contribute to joint integrity or fastener performance in other contexts, do not directly address the specific goal of minimizing stress concentrations as effectively as the approach of even spacing.