Project case / Customer-independent

Verification of a bolted joint under cyclic loading

An analytical and numerical assessment linked preload, contact state and changing external loads in a traceable verification of bolt and surrounding structure.

Customer-independent section diagram of a preloaded bolted joint
Process & plant engineering · FEA structural analysisNeutral method diagram · no customer or result geometry
Industry
Process & plant engineering
Services
FEA structural analysis
Evidence boundary
Anonymized internal project documentation

Engineering question

The connection had to be assessed across assembly and recurring service loads while keeping load path, preload and local component demand distinct.

Model & approach

  • Structure bolt forces, clamped-part compliance and external-load fractions analytically
  • Complement the calculation with finite-element stresses and contact behaviour

Boundary conditions

  • Preloaded connection under cyclic external action
  • Separate assessment of bolt, clamped parts and local attachment region

Results of the assessment

  • The combined approach distinguished the bolt load fraction from local component demand.
  • Critical states could be related to preload, contact and load amplitude.

Engineering consequence

The assessment supported definition of the joint, assembly state and constructive reserve.

Context

This page summarizes internal project documentation independently of the customer. Absolute values, confidential geometry and independent physical validation are not published.

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