Semi-Physical Simulation Optimization Method for Bolt Tightening Process Based on Reinforcement Learning

Abstract

Bolted connections are the main method of connecting the components of an aero-engine low pressure rotor. Due to the influence of the elastic interaction relationship, it is easy to cause uneven distribution of the preload force of the bolt group, although it can meet the stiffness needs; however, it may lead to the deflection of the spatial relative position of the components, which is can easily cause coaxiality overrun. In view of the contradictory problem of optimization between coaxiality and stiffness of rotor assembly, this paper proposes a semi-physical simulation optimization method for the bolt tightening process based on reinforcement learning. Firstly, by studying the elastic interaction mechanism between the bolts, the elastic interaction matrix was established using finite element simulation data. On this basis, a coaxiality prediction model for the bolt tightening process was established using a GRU (gate recurrent unit) network to realize the prediction of coaxiality in the bolt tightening process. Then, through the analysis of the bolt connection stiffness, a stiffness calculation model containing the bolt stiffness, the stiffness of the connected parts, and the contact stiffness of the joint surface in series was constructed to realize the calculation of the stiffness during the bolt tightening process. Finally, with the bolt preload force as the optimization variable, coaxiality and stiffness as the optimization target, and the tightening torque and preload force of the installed bolts in the actual assembly process as the constraints, a semi-physical simulation optimization model of the bolt tightening process was established using reinforcement learning to realize the optimization of the bolt tightening process. Moreover, through the semi-physical simulation optimization method, the bolt tightening process can be installed and adjusted at the same time.

Optimization of Bolted Joints: A Literature Review

“…Initially, the elastic interaction matrix was established using simulation data from finite elements. Finally, the bolt preload force was examined as an optimization variable, coaxiality and stiffness as an optimization target, and the tightening torque and preload force of the placed bolts as assembly-process constraints [79]. Research on the bolted flange tightening technique for contact stiffness of joint surface was done by Zuo et al [80].…”