IJRMET Vol.

2, Issue 1, April 2012 ISSN : 2249-5762 (Online) | ISSN : 2249-5770 (Print)

Analytical Model of Tension and Shear Loaded Bolted Joint

1
Mohamed Tahar Nasraoui, 2Jamel Chakhari, 3Boubaker Khalfi, 4Mustapha Nasri
1,4
Applied Mechanics, Engineering and Industrialization Research Laboratory, ENI Tunis, Tunisia
2
Solid Mechanics, Structures and Technological Developments Research Laboratory, ESST Tunis,
Tunisia
3
Centre de Recherche En Plasturgie Et Composites (CREPEC), Polytechnique Montréal, Canada

Abstract II. Analytical Model

In this paper a prismatic bolted joint, subjected to tensile and shear Stresses in the bolt depend on parts geometry (h, b, hpm,u, v, w,d),
loading, is studied. An analytical model of bent beam is presented. materials and external loads of the bolted joint. We
Analytical solution consists to integrate differential equations. consider a symmetric assembly (Figure 2) to facilitate numerical
Combination of the developed equations gives a nonlinear simulations that ANSYS will be used to validate the developed
function to resolve. The unknowns are found by running a code model (fig. 3).
written in C language. Finite Elements simulations are turned on The prismatic bolted joint (fig. 1), is modeled by a bent beam
ANSYS software in order to verify and validate results issued (fig. 3) where the screw is replaced by linear compressive
from analytical model. 3D FE simulations are used to analyse spring. The compressed zones are also materialized by linear
the evolution of contact interface and also to study the stability springs. Stiffness of these zones are evaluated by Rasmussen
limits of bolted joint under loading. model [10-11].

Keywords
Bolted joints, structures, analytical model, FE simulations, contact
evolution.

I. Introduction
Bolted joints are used in mechanical systems and metal structures.
Their dimensioning by conventional methods of calculation is
not satisfactory in some cases. Designers are always looking for
accurate and representative calculation tools of real assembly
behavior.
VDI 2230 recommendations [1] are mainly used for fasteners with
axial or weakly eccentric loading respect to the screw axis. These
models are linear. However when the assembled part is subjected
to an important bending, the beam model of Agatonovic [2] was
adopted. Following these works,calculations models of one bolted
assembly for highly eccentric axial loads were developed by
Bulatovic [3] and in the LGMT laboratory [4-6]. The analytical
modeling of a two-bolt assembly was studied by Daidié [7] and Fig. 2: Symmetrical Prismatic Bolted Joint
Chakhari [8], the model results are dependent on the formulation
of compression stiffness zones. This difficulty has pushed these
authors to develop a simplified numerical model based on beam
flexed sitting on an elastic foundation materialized by a series of
springs. The number of active springs varies with the external
loading. The case of a bolted joint subjected to a shear loading
has been rarely studied. The behavior of a shear loaded bolted
joint was modeled by Ruiz [9].
In this paper we study a case of a shear and tension bolted joint (fig.
1) where the tensile loading is highly eccentric respect to the screw
axis. We develop for this case an analytical model. The results
validation is done by comparing with those issued from a 3D FEA
ANSYS software. A stability analysis of a bolted joint is made. Fig. 3: Analytical Model of a Prismatic Bolted-Joint (seen in the
The interface contact evolution with external loads is shown. (x, y))

The  main hypotheses  are to  admit  that the  influence

of  the hole  in the upper part on  the bending rigidity
is  negligible; bending and  compressive  stiffness  of the
assembled parts  remain  constant;  however applied loads  (FE
and FT) are located in the symmetry plane of the assembly.
Equilibrium conditions of the beam are:
FT − T = 0 (1)
Fig. 1: Prismatic Bolted Joint Subjected to Tension and Shear FE + FP − FB = 0 (2)
Loads (3)

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ISSN : 2249-5762 (Online) | ISSN : 2249-5770 (Print) IJRMET Vol. 2, Issue 1, April 2012

The displacements  compatibility conditions are expres-

sed as follows:
Q(S b + S P ) = FB .S B + FP .S P − f B (4)
- Zone1: 0≤x≤s In B for x=s we have:
E.I z .y '' = Fp .x + Ft .y (5)
The solution is formulated as following:  y1 ( s ) = y2 ( s )
 ' '
For x=0  we have : y (0) = A1 + D1 = 0  y1 ( s ) = y2 ( s )
For x=0  we have :
(7)
Now by using equation (5) we have:

(8)
By identification we have : By combining (ω.ch(ωs) × (7) - sh(ωs) × (8)) and for Fp=FB-FE,
we obtain:
K 1 .FB − ( K 1 − K 2 + K 3 y E ). FE
A2 =
Fp K 4 .Ft
Fp + C1.Ft = 0 ⇒ C1 = − Where:
Ft
D1 .Ft = 0 ⇒ D1 = 0
So we have :
y (0) = 0 ⇒ A1 + D1 = 0 ⇒ A1 = − D1 = 0

By combining (ω.sh(ωs) × (7) - ch(ωs) × (8)) we obtain:

Finally we have for zone1 (0≤x≤s) : K 5 .FB − ( K 5 − K 6 + K 7 y E ). FE
B2 =
K 8 .Ft
Where:

- Zone2: s≤x≤s +m
E.I z . y '' = ( s + m − x). FE − ( yE − y ). Ft
(6)
The solution will be: For x=s+m we have : y2 ( x = s + m) = y E
We deduce that :

We have:
Who gives :

Now by using equation (6) we obtain:

From equation (4) we find :

By identification we have :

By taking:
K 9 = Q( S B + S p )
FE
0 = FE + C2 .Ft ⇒ C2 =
Ft
F
( s + m). FE − ( yE − D2 ). Ft = 0 ⇒ D2 = yE − E ( s + m)
Ft
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IJRMET Vol. 2, Issue 1, April 2012 ISSN : 2249-5762 (Online) | ISSN : 2249-5770 (Print)

A. Pretension Step
The assembly is not loaded. A pretension stress of 200 MPa is
applied on the bolt. Away from the edges, normal stress must be
the same along the screw (fig. 5).

B. Loading Step
We obtain : The assembly  is  subjected  to  external loads: a  vertical
force FE and another transverse force FT.
These forces are applied to the ends of assembled parts. The middle
By using equation (3) and taking: part is taken as fixed support (fig. 6).

Fig. 4: 3D EF Model

An equation in (s) is finally obtained:

 f (s) + f (s) 
 3 .F = 0
− s. f ( s ) + ( s + m) F −  2
1 E  F + f ( s )  t
 t 4 
The last equation must be resolved to evaluate the unknown s,
then we deduce the values of loads (FB and MFB) applied on the
bolt.
The upper part is more resistant than the screw in bending, so Fig. 5: Normal Stress (Along Y) Under Preload of 200 MPa
the screw head follows the motion part. This can be expressed
by equality of rotation angles:

(9)
This condition gives the expression of the bending moment applied to
the screw:

(10)
Where: Fig. 6: Normal Stress (AlongY) Under External Loads (for
Example FT=5000 N and FE=80000N)
(11)
Eb  and Ib  are respectively  the Young’s modulus  and  second IV. Results Validation
moment of the screw area. In the numerical solution we read left  and right  normal
stresses on the  screw area then we deduce maximum and
III. 3D FE Simulations fatigue stresses. The analytical model is also able to calculate
Study case data are chosen as follows: the  normal  and  alternating stresses for  static  and  fatigue
Dimensions (in mm): u=30, v=10, w=50, h=16, b=20, hpm=50, dimensioning.
d=10 Results are plotted  as load-stress curves of alternating and
Friction coefficient: f = 0.2 maximum stresses (fig. 7 and fig. 8). Numerical results are issued
Parts material (steel): from ANSYS 3D FE simulations and analytical ones are calculated
E=210000 MPa, ν=0.3 by a C code program.
Bolt material (steel):
E=205000 MPa, ν=0.3
Three-dimensional finite element model is built on the ANSYS
software for symmetric assembly (fig. 4).
The numerical computation is done in two steps:

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ISSN : 2249-5762 (Online) | ISSN : 2249-5770 (Print) IJRMET Vol. 2, Issue 1, April 2012

Fig. 10: Separation of Interface for FT=5000N and FE= 80000

N.

Fig. 7: Fatigue Stresses in the Screw for FT=5000N: Comparison

of Numerical Model Results 3D EF/ Analytical Model Fig. 11: Sliding Distance in the Contact Area for FT=6000 N and
FE=8500 N.

Fig. 12: Contact Pressure for FT=6000 N and FE=8500 N

Fig. 8: Maximum Stresses in the Screw for FT=5000N: Comparison

of Numerical Model Results 3D EF/ Analytical Model

The two curves have the same shape and the results are coherent

and hence the developed analytical model is validated. Stresses
applied on the screw decrease slightly when shear load FT increase
(fig. 9). This result shows that shear loading has a little effect on
bolt stresses in comparison with those given by tensile loading. Fig. 13: Adhesion / Sliding Limit

VI. Conclusion
The analytical model  is  presented  to complete the analytical
one that was developed for highly eccentric tensile loaded bolted
joint. The new model takes into account a shear loading that can
lead to sliding in contact interface. Results validation is done by
comparing the screw stress values calculated through analytical
model to those issued from ANSYS FEA numerical simulation.
The developed model is favorable to compute this bolted joint
engineering problem without requiring a lot of time as the 3D-
FE simulations. For a given tensile loading, the increasing of shear
loading decreases the stress values in the bolt. Simulations have
shown that when external loads are applied, local sliding may
Fig. 9: Stresses Variation with FT 3D E Results occur. A full sliding  can happen  for important  loads. In this
case assembly is destabilized and the screw becomes subjected
V. Interface Contact Evolution to shear.
The interface separation increases with tension load FE, which
reduces the contact area (fig. 10). So sliding under shear load FT VII. References
becomes possible. Numerical simulations show that sliding at [1] VDI 2230 BLATT 1, 2003 Systematische Berechnung
the interface can be local without seeing the assembled part fully Hochbeanspruchter Schraubenver-bindungen Zylindrische
moving (fig. 11). If there is a local sliding we can deduce that shear Einschraubenverbindungen, VDI Richtlinien,
stresses are relatively important and therefore contact pressure ICS  21.060.10,VDI-Gesellschaft Entwicklung
is also important (fig. 12). A fully sliding can happen between Konstruktion Vertrieb, Fachberuch Konstruktion, Ausschuss
the assembled parts for appropriate values ​​of tension load FE and Schraubenverbindungen (2003) 1-169.
shear load FT. By plotting FT-FE curve for these appropriate values, [2] P. Agatonovic,"Beam model of bolted flanged connection
two zones are seen: an adhesion zone and another sliding one (fig. En. Comput", March 21, Vol. 2, Pineridge Press Ltd. 1985
13). pp. 21-29.

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[3] Bulatovic, R., Jovanovic, J.,“An analysis of the Mathematical

Models in Deformation Process of eccentrically Loaded Jamel Chakhari received his Engineer
Bolts”, Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 1(7), pp. 789-797, degree in Mechanical Engineering from
2000. ENIT, Tunis, Tunisia, in 1999, and the
[4] Guillot J.,“Threaded elements connection; modeling and Master degree from ENSICA Toulouse,
calculation”, Ed. Engineering techniques, Vol. 1, B5560 to France, in 2001. He obtained his PhD
B5562, 75006, Paris, 1-56, 1987. from INSA Toulouse, France, in 2007.
[5] Europan standard E25-030,"Fasterners. Threaded At present, he is an assistant professor
connections. Design, calculation and mounting conditions”, in the mechanical department of ENIT,
AFNOR Publications, 2nd version, February, 1988. Tunisia.
[6] NF E27-009 norm (1979),"Fasteners – Fatigue test under
axial load", AFNOR Publications, 1st Edition, October,
1-10. Boubaker Khalfi received his Engineer
[7] A. Daidié, J. Chakhari, A. Zghal,“Numerical model for degree in Mechanical Engineering from
bolted T-stubs with two bolt rows”, Structural Engineering ENIT, Tunis, Tunisia, in 1997, the M.S
and Mechanics, An International Journal, Vol 26, No.3, June degree from High School of Technology,
20, 2007, pp. 343-361. Montreal, in 2005. At present, he is
[8] J. Chakhari, A. Daidié, Z. Chaib, J. Guillot,“Numerical engaged in his PhD in Polytechnic
model for two-bolted joints subjected to compressive school of Montréal- Canada.
loading”, Finite Elements in Analysis and Design, Vol 44,
no. 4, February 2008, pp 162-173.
[9] Sylvain Ruiz, Alain Daidie, Zouhair Chaib,“Modélisation du
comportement d’un axe vissé chargé par un effort transversal",
Conception et Production Intégrées CPI’2007, pp. 1 à 16. Mustapha Nasri received his M.S. degree
[10] Rasmussen, J., Norgaard, I.B., Haastrup, O., Haastrup J.,“A in Applied Mechanics from FST, Tunis,
two body contact problem with friction”, Proceedings of Tunisia, in 1980 and his Master degree in
Euromech Colloquium, NR 110 Rimforsa, pp. 115-120, 1982. He obtained his PhD of specialty,
1978 Applied Mechanics, in 1987 and then his
[11] Feras Alkatan, Pierre Stephan, Alain Daidie, Jean PhD of state in 2000 from FST Tunis. He
Guillot,“Equivalent stiffness of various components in bolted was teaching assistant in ISET Nabeul
joints subjected to axial loading”, Finite Elements in Analysis from 1990 to 1992 and then assistant
and Design, Vol. 43, 2007, pp. 589-598. professor in IPEI Tunis until 2000. At
present, he is associate professor in IPEI
Mohamed Tahar Nasraoui received his Tunis. His research interests include
B.S. degree in Mechanical Construction materials and tribology.
from ENSET, Tunis, Tunisia, in 1991,
and then the M.S. degree in Mechanical
Engineering in 1995. He was teaching
assistant in the mechanical department,
High Institute of Technological Studies,
Sousse, Tunisia, from 1995 to 1997. He
is technologist in the High Institute of
Technological Studies, Sfax, Tunisia,
from 1997. At present, he is engaged
in his PhD in ENIT, Tunis, Tunisia from
2008. His research interests include mechanical engineering,
structures and bolted joints.

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