Formulation of Elastic Interaction Between Bolts During the Tightening of Flat-Face Gasketed Joints

Abstract

A novel mathematical model is proposed for studying elastic interaction in gasketed bolted joints. The model predicts the tension changes in tightened bolts due to the subsequent tightening of other bolts in the joint. It also predicts the final clamp load distribution after the completion of joint tightening. The model is used to investigate the effect of various factors on the elastic interaction phenomenon; factors include the gasket thickness, bolt spacing, fastener preload level, and tightening sequence of various bolts. Experimental verification is provided for the validation of the mathematical model. Experimental and analytical results are presented and discussed. The proposed model provides a good prediction of the final clamp load in the joint. Moreover, the proposed model may be used to determine the level of initial bolt tension in each bolt that would be necessary to achieve the desired level of uniform clamp load in the joint at the initial assembly.

A multi-bolt tightening method based on elastic interaction coefficient and gasket creep relaxation

“…Wang et al 8 investigated the interaction stiffness of the connected component, the influencing factors and scope of the elastic interaction are determined through the proposed analytical model. Alkelani et al 9 proposed a mathematical model of elastic interaction for flat-face flanged joint based on the flat contact surface assumption, which can be used to calculate the initial clamping force to be achieved. Li et al 10 proposed a generalized model to evaluate the residual clamping force of bolts based on the deformation coordination equation between the bolt and connected component.…”

Elastic interaction in multiple bolted timber joints

“…This is considered to be a problem, because the axial force of bolts in bolted joints formed from a metallic material cannot be uniform, since variations in axial force due to these elastic interactions are unavoidable. Analytical and experimental studies on tightening sequences have tried to minimize variations in the mechanism of the elastic interactions and in the axial force [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. However, research into elastic interactions in bolted joints of wooden structures has not been found, so it is necessary to proceed with basic research on the implementation of the above-mentioned wood friction connectors in actual buildings.…”

Modeling and numerical analysis of multi-bolt elastic interaction with bolt stress relaxation

“…Nassar et al. 12,13 proposed the concept of elastic compliance to characterize elastic interaction and put them into a proposed model to study bolt elastic interaction during tightening and analyzed the effect of various factors on the elastic interaction phenomenon to achieve a more uniform clamp load. Abid et al.…”

“…Bouzid et al, 11 based on the elastic interaction of gasket-bolt-flange and flange rotational flexibility, analyzed the distribution of gasket stress and the load change of bolts, and then proposed a simple approach to predict the load change of bolt and the rotation of flange. Nassar et al 12,13 proposed the concept of elastic compliance to characterize elastic interaction and put them into a proposed model to study bolt elastic interaction during tightening and analyzed the effect of various factors on the elastic interaction phenomenon to achieve a more uniform clamp load. Abid et al 14 used finite element analysis to simulate the assembly of a gasket bolted flange joint in different tightening sequence and discussed the importance of proper bolt tightening sequence, and number of passes that influence elastic and elasto-plastic material modelling on joint performance.…”