Design guide of bolt locations for bolted-joint plates considering dynamic characteristics

Abstract

In this study, a simplified finite-element (FE) modelling method is proposed, which simulates the dynamic characteristics of a bolted-joint structure having a large interface area, by utilizing the concept of the cone-frusta method for the jointed parts and spring elements to represent the contact effects occurring in the interfaced area. A method for providing design guidelines for the selection of additional bolt locations is also proposed based on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the bolted-joint plates. The natural frequency of a specific mode and its mode shape can be controlled by adjusting bolt locations and the number of bolts, considering the effects of the relative deformations in mode shapes, at the plate interfaces. The proposed modelling method and design guidelines are verified based on the experimental results and the FE analysis.