Mechanism and quantitative evaluation model of slip-induced loosening for bolted joints

Abstract

Purpose Bolted joints are the most common type of mechanical connections, and improving the anti-loosening performance of bolts for the reliable performance of mechanical and building structures is highly significant. Design/methodology/approach Because of the lack of sufficient theoretical basis for the evaluation and design of anti-loosening bolts, a quantitative evaluation model exhibiting the following two evaluation criteria for anti-loosening bolts is introduced: bolt rotation angular acceleration criterion and critical transverse load criterion. Based on the relationship among bolt tension, transverse load and bolt rotation angular acceleration, a critical transverse load calculation model is put forward, and the mechanism by which the critical transverse load increases with the increase of bolt tension is revealed. Findings Based on the above model, a new type of anti-loosening bolt is designed, which generates additional bolt tension when the transverse load increases, and then improves the critical transverse load of the bolt. The effectiveness of the new type of anti-loosening bolt is verified by theoretical calculations and experiments. Originality/value The proposed model and method set a preliminary theoretical foundation for the evaluation of bolt anti-loosening performance and the design of a new anti-loosening bolt.