Tearing of Plate

When considering the failure modes of a plate, there are three common types: shear failure, tearing of the plate, and bearing failure. The minimum pitch is required to prevent tearing of the plate.

Failure Modes of a Plate:

1. Shear Failure:
- Shear failure occurs when the applied load exceeds the shear strength of the material.
- It is characterized by the sliding or shearing of the material along a plane parallel to the applied force.
- This type of failure is more common in brittle materials.

2. Tearing of the Plate:
- Tearing of the plate occurs when the applied load causes the material to tear or rupture.
- It is characterized by the separation of the material along a plane perpendicular to the applied force.
- This type of failure is more common in ductile materials.

3. Bearing Failure:
- Bearing failure occurs when the applied load causes excessive pressure on a small area of the plate, leading to deformation or crushing of the material.
- It is characterized by the localized failure of the material under the applied load.
- This type of failure is more common in materials with low compressive strength.

Minimum Pitch and Tearing of the Plate:

The minimum pitch refers to the minimum distance between two fasteners or holes on a plate. It is determined based on the failure mode that needs to be prevented.

In the case of tearing of the plate, the minimum pitch is required to prevent the material from tearing or rupturing under the applied load. By providing a sufficient distance between the fasteners or holes, the load is distributed over a larger area, reducing the stress concentration and the risk of tearing.

Therefore, option 'B' (tearing of the plate) is the correct answer as the minimum pitch is required to prevent this type of failure.