Influence of Transverse Vibration Amplitude on the Loosening of Bolted Joint by Finite Element Simulation

Abstract A detailed finite element (FE) model of M20 bolted joint is established. Using the FE model, the loosening processes of bolted joint under different transverse vibration amplitude are simulated. The results show that there exists a critical transverse vibration amplitude. When the transverse vibration amplitude is smaller than the critical transverse vibration amplitude, the bolted joint will not loosen. When it is larger than the critical transverse vibration amplitude, the bolted joint will loosen. The larger the transverse vibration amplitude is, the faster the bolted joint loosens. Based on clamping force, nut rotation angle, bolt torsion deformation and slip of thread contact surface, the mechanism of the influence of transverse vibration amplitude on the loosening of the bolted joint is analyzed.