Sequential Preloading of Bolt Groups

[bptahiti]

I would like to apply bolt preloads to a few different bolt groups in an assembly in a certain sequence, because the resulting tension in each of the bolts will vary based on the order the bolts are tensioned in.

What is the most efficient way to do sequential loading like this?

Is there any way of doing it using only a linear statics solver? I have tried to solve one step at a time, using the results from the previous step as a load via the "model, load, from results" command, but I am not sure how to correctly implement that command (or even if it is appropriate for this situation).

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

 

[BlasMolero]

Hello!,
If I should have to solve this problem I would use RESTART, this is the way to account for previous effects in a new solution. Please note that bolt preloads implies the activation of contacts, then the NX NASTRAN solver will have to solve the solution two times to account first for contact differential stiffness plus later to obtain structure response based in the service loads.
Best regards,
Blas.

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Blas Molero Hidalgo
Ingeniero Industrial
Director

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