Effect of Bolt Clamping Force and Constraint Arrangement on Structural Strength of Bolted Joint

In this article, the effect of bolt clamping force and constraint arrangement on structural strength of bolted joint was investigated by finite element method (FEM) prior to hardware tests. This study developed a numerical simulation to predict the deformation behavior and detect potential failure modes. In achieving it, a three dimensional (3D) detailed model of bolted joint was constructed. FE dynamic simulation was used to simulate the structural behavior of the bolted joint by gradually applying tension force on the ends. The numerical simulations were conducted with the torque of 0.3N.m, 3.0N.m, 6.0N.m at different tensile levels in several frictional states between contact plates. In order to determine the critical friction force on the plates, three kinetic frictions between bolt and plate hole were employed in the FE calculation to detect the shear stress on the bolt. Finally, the structural behavior of the bolted joint was analyzed in terms of stress distribution, deformation state by varying clamping force and frictional coefficient.