Dynamic Study of a Bolted Assembly under Transient Load for Different Design Conditions

Abstract

A bolted assembly composed of two metallic parts joined directly by a bolt is studied. The bolted joint is clamped-free and is subjected to a transient load in the longitudinal direction. The transient load is an impact force and is applied onto the free part. A nonlinear dynamic model is used to analyze the bolted joint dynamic response, accounting for the clamped and free parts contact interface. First, the differential equations resulting from the nonlinear model are solved using the Euler and the Newmark methods, to determine the joint dynamic response in displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Second, the effects of the bolted parts specifications on the joint dynamic response are examined, in terms of mass, stiffness, and damping. Third, the effect of the bolting stress on the joint dynamic response is investigated, and the effect of the applied transient force on the joint dynamic response is explored. All the bolted assembly parameters are then considered. The obtained results help to analyze and to predict bolted joints dynamic response, under transient longitudinal load, and for different design conditions, using simple but effective tools. They especially guide in setting the bolted joint parameters according to the desired dynamic behavior.