What is the practical effect of a larger inside radius on a rivet set?

A larger inside radius on a rivet set primarily leads to decreased stress concentration. This is important in structural applications because stress concentration can lead to early failure points in metal structures. When a rivet is installed, the edges can create sharp angles that increase the stress in that localized area. A larger inside radius helps in distributing the load more evenly across the material, reducing the peak stresses that can occur around the area where the rivet is installed.

Additionally, the geometry of the rivet set with a larger radius facilitates a smoother transition of forces, as opposed to the abrupt change usually associated with sharper edges. By alleviating these stress concentrations, the structural integrity of the assembly is enhanced, ultimately leading to a more durable and reliable joint.

The other options, while related to the installation and performance aspects, do not address the critical aspect of stress concentration as directly as the chosen answer does. Improved gripping strength and ease of installation are important, but they do not focus on the significant impact that radius has on stress distribution. The assertion that there is no effect on performance is inaccurate, as it overlooks the crucial role that stress management plays in riveted joints.