The mechanical behavior of hybrid (bolted/bonded) joints is investigated. The joints under study are balanced single-lap joints, and an elastic behavior of the materials is assumed. A fully parametric analytical two-dimensional model, based on the Finite Element Method, is presented. A special Finite Element ("Bonded Beams" element) is computed in order to simulate the bonded adherends. The simulation of fasteners is examined through experimental and numerical approaches. Good agreement was found between the experimental and numerical results.

In this paper, an original approach is proposed to calculate the static load distribution and the axial stiffness of a planetary roller screw (PRS) mechanism. Assuming that the external loading is shared equally over an arbitrary number of rollers, only a sector of the system is represented to save on computing time. The approach consists in using a structure of bars, beams, and nonlinear springs to model the different components of the mechanism and their interactions. This nonlinear model describes the details of the mechanism and captures the shape of the nut as well as the bending deformation of the roller. All materials are assumed to operate in the elastic range. The load distribution and the axial stiffness are determined in three specific configurations of the system for both compressive and tensile loads. Further, the influence of the shape of the nut is studied in the case of the inverted PRS. The results obtained from this approach are also compared to those computed with a three-dimensional finite-element (3D FE) model. Finally, since the calculations appear to be very accurate, a parametric study is conducted to show the impact of the bending of the roller on the load distribution.

In this paper, an analytical method is used to investigate the distortions of involute spline teeth. The following hypotheses are adopted: teeth geometry is in conformity with standardization, dimensions are nominal (no defect), there is no friction and the load is a pure torsional torque. Teeth distortions due to bending, shear, compression, and foundation rotation are analysed. As the load is distributed along the tooth height, the displacement calculation differs from the conventional approach used for gear teeth. Sliding over the contact surfaces is also considered as it emerged during the study that this phenomenon, that has not hitherto been taken into account, plays a significant role. A punch model is used to describe the radial distribution of the contact pressure. Ascribing an arbitrary value to the tilted angle between the two contacting flanks enables the pressure profile to be evaluated, from which calculation of teeth distortions can be arrived at so as finally to obtain a new estimation of the tilted angle. Thus, displacements and the contact load can be determined together by iterating the calculation procedure until convergence. Torsional stiffness, which is one of the main parameters required to predict the torque distribution along the spline coupling, is evaluated from the various displacement components. The results derived from the proposed analytical method are compared with finite-element results and show good correlation.

The stiffness matrix of angular contact ball bearings is calculated by using the analytical approach in which the summation of ball-race loads is replaced by an integration. The matrix connected to the conventional model in two degrees of freedom is first presented. A practical application of this formulation is illustrated through the common problem of sizing a two bearings-shaft arrangement. Variations of displacements, axial forces, and bearing fatigue life related to preload are shown to be easily obtained. Then, the matrix connected to the model in five degrees of freedom is given. This may be coupled with finite elements which are generally used to model the shaft or the housing. [S1050-0472(00)01801-8]