Effect of Tightening Speed on the Torque-Tension and Wear Pattern in Bolted Connections

Abstract

In an effort to enhance the reliability of clamp load estimation in bolted joints, this experimental study investigates the effect of tightening speed and coating on both the torque-tension relationship and wear pattern in threaded fastener applications. The fastener torque-tension relationship is highly sensitive to normal variations in the coefficients of friction between threads and between the turning head and the surface of the joint. Hence, the initial level of the joint clamp load and the overall integrity and reliability of a bolted assembly are significantly influenced by the friction coefficients. The effect of repeated tightening and loosening is also investigated using M12, class 8.8 fasteners with and without zinc coating. The torque-tension relationship is examined in terms of the nondimensional nut factor K. The wear pattern is examined by monitoring the changes in surface roughness using a WYKO optical profiler and by using a LECO optical microscope. A Hitachi S-3200N scanning electron microscope is used to examine the contact surfaces under the fastener head after each tightening/loosening cycle. Experimental data on the effect of tightening speed, fastener coating, and repeated tightening are presented and analyzed.