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Preload of Bolts and Nuts

Preload of Bolts and Nuts

Preload of Bolts and Nuts

(OP)
I'm trying to do an FEA which involves an assembly of two steel plates which are bolted-onto each other. The preload due to tightening of the nut & bolt is applied in the form of tensile force or pressure on the contact areas (acting in opposite directions to each other) between the bolt & plate and the nut & plate.

I'm wondering if the above inputs are enough for my FEA, or do I have to also include the forces that each plate applies onto the other due to the tightening preload?

I have attached a drawing which illustrates my question. Basically Option-1 is where I include only the preload force between bolt & plate and nut & plate (the arrow marks indicate the forces applied on the faces of the components). Option-2 is where I also include the forces that one plate applies onto the other due to the tightening.

So which option should I go with for my FEA - Option-1 or Option-2?

RE: Preload of Bolts and Nuts

I'd do option 1 where you apply the pressure from the bolt to the surfaces. If you adopt option 2 then you're assuming something about the contact pressure distribution, which you don't know. Of course with option 1 you assume you know what the pressure distribution is from the contact there, but that'll be a reasonable assumption to assume a uniform load.  

corus

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