Which type of rivet should be selected to join two sheets of .032-inch aluminum?

The correct choice for joining two sheets of .032-inch aluminum is the MS20470AD-4-4 rivet. This selection is appropriate due to the dimensions and properties associated with the rivet type. The "AD" in the designation indicates that this is an aluminum alloy rivet, which is suitable for aluminum materials. The first number (4 in this case) designates the diameter of the rivet shank in 1/32-inch increments. Therefore, a diameter of 4/32 inches equals 1/8 inch, which is sufficient for securing two .032-inch aluminum sheets together effectively while providing adequate grip and strength.

In this situation, the other options, though aluminum rivets, do not have the ideal shank diameter for joining .032-inch sheets. The MS20470AD-3-4 has a smaller diameter, while the MS20470AD-5-4 has a larger diameter than required, which may not provide the optimal fit for this thickness. The MS20470AD-2-4 significantly under-sizes the rivet for this application. By selecting the MS20470AD-4-4 rivet, you ensure a balance between strength and compatibility with the aluminum material being joined.