A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model with the consideration of the helix angle of the threads was developed to simulate the second stage self-loosening of a bolted joint. The second stage self-loosening refers to the gradual reduction in clamping force due to the back-off of the nut. The simulations were conducted for two plates jointed by a bolt and a nut and the joint was subjected to transverse or shear loading. An bolt was used. The application of the preload was simulated by using an orthogonal temperature expansion method. FE simulations were conducted for several loading conditions with different preloads and relative displacements between the two clamped plates. It was found that due to the application of the cyclic transverse load, microslip occurred between the contacting surfaces of the engaged threads of the bolt and the nut. In addition, a cyclic bending moment was introduced on the bolted joint. The cyclic bending moment resulted in an oscillation of the contact pressure on the contacting surfaces of the engaged threads. The microslip between the engaged threads and the variation of the contact pressure were identified to be the major mechanisms responsible for the self-loosening of a bolted joint. Simplified finite element models were developed that confirmed the mechanisms discovered. The major self-loosening behavior of a bolted joint can be properly reproduced with the FE model developed. The results obtained agree quantitatively with the experimental observations.
Skip Nav Destination
e-mail: yjiang@unr.edu
Article navigation
February 2007
Research Papers
Finite Element Modeling of Self-Loosening of Bolted Joints
Ming Zhang,
Ming Zhang
Department of Mechanical Engineering (312),
University of Nevada
, Reno, NV 89557
Search for other works by this author on:
Yanyao Jiang,
Yanyao Jiang
Department of Mechanical Engineering (312),
e-mail: yjiang@unr.edu
University of Nevada
, Reno, NV 89557
Search for other works by this author on:
Chu-Hwa Lee
Chu-Hwa Lee
Advanced Engineering Center,
Ford Motor Company
, 20000 Rotunda Drive, Dearborn, MI 48121
Search for other works by this author on:
Ming Zhang
Department of Mechanical Engineering (312),
University of Nevada
, Reno, NV 89557
Yanyao Jiang
Department of Mechanical Engineering (312),
University of Nevada
, Reno, NV 89557e-mail: yjiang@unr.edu
Chu-Hwa Lee
Advanced Engineering Center,
Ford Motor Company
, 20000 Rotunda Drive, Dearborn, MI 48121J. Mech. Des. Feb 2007, 129(2): 218-226 (9 pages)
Published Online: January 25, 2006
Article history
Received:
March 21, 2005
Revised:
January 25, 2006
Citation
Zhang, M., Jiang, Y., and Lee, C. (January 25, 2006). "Finite Element Modeling of Self-Loosening of Bolted Joints." ASME. J. Mech. Des. February 2007; 129(2): 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2406092
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
DeepJEB: 3D Deep Learning-Based Synthetic Jet Engine Bracket Dataset
J. Mech. Des (April 2025)
Design and Justice: A Scoping Review in Engineering Design
J. Mech. Des (May 2025)
Related Articles
A Study of Early Stage Self-Loosening of Bolted Joints
J. Mech. Des (September,2003)
Elastic Plastic Finite Element Analysis of Bolted Joint During Tightening Process
J. Mech. Des (December,2003)
An Experimental Investigation of the Effects of Clamped Length and Loading Direction on Self-Loosening of Bolted Joints
J. Pressure Vessel Technol (August,2006)
An Experimental Study of Self-Loosening of Bolted Joints
J. Mech. Des (September,2004)
Related Chapters
Data Tabulations
Structural Shear Joints: Analyses, Properties and Design for Repeat Loading
Understanding the Problem
Design and Application of the Worm Gear
Reducing Cache Contention of L2 Shared Cache on Multi-Core Processor Architecture
International Conference on Mechanical and Electrical Technology, 3rd, (ICMET-China 2011), Volumes 1–3