A Simple Method to Calculate the Force Ratio of Bolted Joints : The case where clamped parts are T-flanges

Abstract

In designing a bolted joint, it is important to estimate the ratio of a bolt axial force to a load when a load is applied on an assembly, that is the force ratio. In this paper, in order to establish a simple method to calculate the force ratio of general bolted joints, the force ratio of T-flange is discussed. At first, in order to analyse more exactly, the T-flange is replaced by a finite strip. In the next place, in order to calculate simply, the T-flange is replaced by a beam on an elastic foundation. Moreover a bending moment is introduced in the bolt when the load is applied. In order to analyse this bending moment, a calculation method is proposed by defining newly the bending compliance of T-flanges and bolts. Then, to verify these analyses, experiments are carried out. The analyses are in a fairly good agreement with the experiments.