Nonlinear Deformation Behavior of Bolted Flanges Under Tensile, Torsional, and Bending Loads

A bolted flange may be subjected to the axial tensile, torsional, and bending external loads in service. The axial tensile, torsional, and bending resistance of the bolted flange is vital for the system vibration, dynamic strength, and reliability. This paper investigates the nonlinear deformation behavior of bolted flanges under tensile, torsional, and bending loads, using finite element analysis (FEA). Even though the bolted flange materials may still deform elastically, the variation in contact area due to the external loading may still cause nonlinear deformation of the flanges. In this study, finite element simulation is used for investigating the respective nonlinear deformation behavior of a preloaded bolted flange under tensile, torsional, and bending loads, and to determine the corresponding stiffness values for each loading.