Discussion: “New Analytical Model of Bolted Joints” (Zhang, Ouqi and Poirier, Jason A., 2004, ASME J. Mech. Design., 126, pp. 721–728)

Abstract

The paper, New Analytical Model of Bolted Joints, published in the July 2004 issue of the Journal of Mechanical Design by Zhang and Poirier, is very much appreciated. Besides the analytical model presented, the importance of the paper to me is to spread the message on the nonlinearity of the load sharing in a tension joint. We intentionally avoid the use of tension joints in favor of shear bearing joints because of the complexity and the weight penalty associated with tension joints. When a tension joint is used and analyzed in the aerospace industry, we typically use an adjusting factor called the “loading plane factor” to evaluate the loads shared by the components. The value of the factor is dependent on the joint configuration and needs to be determined by analysis or testing. To minimize the undesirable rotation of the members under loading, we also use FEA to establish the necessary member thickness in terms of bolt diameter and use of the vertical web for our designers. Hopefully in the future, popular textbooks will incorporate the more realistic model of the tension joint or at least the mention of the nonlinearity of the loaded joint.