A global-local finite element analysis of hybrid composite-to-metal bolted connections used in aerospace engineering

Efficient bolted joint design is an essential part of designing the minimum weight aerospace structures, since structural failures usually occur at connections and interface. A comprehensive numerical study of three-dimensional(3D) stress variations is prohibitively expensive for a large-scale structure where hundreds of bolts can be present. In this work, the hybrid composite-to-metal bolted connections used in the upper stage of European Ariane 5ME rocket are analyzed using the global-local finite element(FE) approach which involves an approximate analysis of the whole structure followed by a detailed analysis of a significantly smaller region of interest. We calculate the Tsai-Wu failure index and the margin of safety using the stresses obtained from ABAQUS. We find that the composite part of a hybrid bolted connection is prone to failure compared to the metal part. We determine the bolt preload based on the clamp-up load calculated using a maximum preload to make the composite part safe. We conclude that the unsuitable bolt preload may cause the failure of the composite part due to the high stress concentration in the vicinity of the bolt. The global-local analysis provides an efficient computational tool for enhancing 3D stress analysis in the highly loaded region.

STRESS-STRAIN FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS AND FATIGUE LIFE PREDICTION FOR BOLTED CONNECTIONS

A cyclic plasticity model is used into finite element (FE) method to obtainthe details of elastic-plastic stress-strain in the bolts under cyclic axial loading. Two criteriain multiaxial fatigue are employed to predict fatigue lives of bolts. The predicted fatigue livesare in favorable agreement with the experimental results for machined bolts.

Fatigue Strength Evaluation of Resin-Injected Bolted Connections Using Statistical Analysis

Different strategies can be used to perform reparations and reinforcements of ancient bolted and riveted metallic bridges. As the riveting process is not currently a common practice, it requires proper equipment and skilled workers. Another solution is the use of welding. However, the weldability of old steels is poor. Bolts are very attractive alternative solutions, and are most commonly used to repair old metallic bridges. Fitted bolts are expensive solutions; the alternative is the use of resin-injected bolts. The behavior of bolted joints with preloaded resin-injected bolts has been studied using quasi-static and creep tests; however, few studies on the slip and fatigue behavior of these joints can be found in the literature. This paper presents an overview of a few experimental programs that were carried out by several authors aiming at evaluating the fatigue behavior of single and double shear resin-injected bolted connections. A comparison between the experimental data of joints with preloaded standard bolts and preloaded resin- injected bolts shows a fatigue strength reduction in the latter. Since Eurocode 3 （EC3） suggests the same fatigue strength curve for joints made of resin-injected bolts and standard bolts, this may raise some con- cerns. Furthermore, research on the feasibility of using both bonded and bolted connections is shown. This last study was performed with high-strength low-alloy structural steel plates and an acrylic struc- tural adhesive for metal bonding. For both case studies, a statistical analysis is performed on fatigue experimental data using linearized boundaries and the Castillo and Fernandez-Canteli model. Fatigue design curves are proposed and compared with the design suggestions of several European and North American standards,

Mechanical Experimental Study on Tensile Bolted Connections of Cross-laminated Timber

In order to explore a kind of high-strength,earthquake-resistant,eco-nomical and suitable connection,4 groups of cross-laminated timber wall-to-floor and wall-to-wall bolted connections were tested under monotonic and cyclic load-ing.The defommation characteristics and failure modes of the cross-laminated tim-ber wall-to-floor and wall-to-wall bolted connections were exploited.Load-slip curves,bearing capacity,yielding point,stiffness and ductility of each group of specimens were analyzed.The test results indicate that the loading process of cross-laminated timber bolted connections under tension can be categorized as five stages,namely the elastic stage,the slip stage,the embedding stage,the yield-ing stage and the ultimate stage.The ultimate tensile capacity of cross-laminated timber bolted wall-to-floor connections is 2.67 times that of the wall-to-wall bolted connections.Compared with cross-laminated timber self-tapping screwed connections,the ultimate tensile capacity of the cross-laminated timber wall-to-floor bolted connections is 2.70 times that of the self-tapping screwed connec-tions,and the ultimate tensile capacity of the cross-laminated timber wall-to-wall bolted connections is 3.83 times that of the self-tapping screwed connections.The crosslaminated timber bolted connections have larger yielding displacement and wider plastic range,and they are more energy dissipative and more ductile.Furthermore,the cost of the cross-laminated timber wall-to-floor bolted connec-tions is 46%that of the self-tapping screwed connections,while the cost of cross-laminated wall-to-wall bolted connections is 53%that of the self-screwed connections.

The Simple Model for Bolted Connections in Fire

Recent structural collapses caused by fire have focused attention on research concerning fire safety in building design. Steel connections are an important component of any structural steel building as they provide links between the principal structural members. Considering the importance of this matter this paper describes a spring-stiffness model developed to predict the behavior of bolted angle connections bare-steel joints at elevated temperature. The joint components are considered as springs with predefined mechanical properties i.e. stiffness and strength. The elevated temperature joint’s response can be predicted by assem-bling the stiffness of the components which are assumed to degrade with increasing temperature based on the recommendations presented in the design parameters code. Comparison of the results from the model with existing experimental data showed good agreement. The proposed model can be easily modified to describe the elevated temperature behavior of other types of joint as well as joints under large rotations.

Cost Optimization of Steel Beam-to-Column Connections using AVOA

The joint-bolt-African Vulture optimization algorithm(AVOA)model is proposed for the design of building connections to improve the stability of steel beam-to-column connections.For this algorithm,the type of steel is first determined,and the number of bolts needed by the corresponding steel type is referenced in Eurocode 3.Then,the bearing capacity of the joint can be calculated.The joint-bolt-AVOA model is established by substituting the bolt number required by the steel into the algorithm to obtain the optimal bolt number required while ensuring joint stability.The results show that the number of bolts required by the joint-bolt-AVOA model based on the stability of steel is lower than that calculated by Eurocode 3.Therefore,AVOA can effectively optimize the number of bolts needed in building connections and save resources.

Residual Capacity of Friction⁃Type High⁃Strength Bolted T⁃stub Connection with Nut Corrosion Damage

Corrosion is a primary cause of the slippage of friction⁃type high⁃strength bolted(FHSB)T⁃stub connections.This paper attempts to quantify the residual capacity of FHSB T⁃stub connections with corroded nuts.Firstly,corrosion simulation tests were conducted on 48 manually cut nuts to find out the relationship between the damage degree of nut section and the residual clamping force(RCF)of bolt.Then,static load tests were carried out on 24 FHSB T⁃stub connections with nuts of different degrees of damage to obtain the failure modes.By finite⁃element(FE)models,a comparative analysis was performed on the initial friction load(IFL)and ultimate strength(US)of each connection with corroded nuts.Finally,the parameters of 96 FE models for FHSB T⁃stub connections were analyzed and used to derive the calculation formulas for the degree of damage for each nut and the IFL and US of each connection.The results show that the RCF decay of a bolt is a quadratic function of the equivalent radius loss ratio and the shear failure after nut corrosion;the IFL of each connection had a clear linear correlation with the RCF of the corresponding bolts,and the correlation depends on the applied load and static friction on connecting plate interface induced by the clamping force;the static friction had little impact on the US of the connection;the proposed IFL and US formulas can effectively derive the residual anti⁃slip capacity of FHSB T⁃stub connections from the degree of damage of the corroded nut section.The research results provide a scientific basis for the replacement and maintenance of corroded bolts of FHSB T⁃stub connections.

Evaluation of Stiffened End-Plate Moment Connection through Optimized Artificial Neural Network

This study involves the development of an analytical model for understanding the behavior of the extended, stiffened end-plate moment connections with eight high strength bolts. Modeling of the connection as an assemblage of finite elements (FE) used for load deformation analysis, with material, and contact nonlinearities are developed. Results from the FE mathematical model are verified with results from the ANSYS computer program as well as with the test results. Sensitivity and feasibility studies are carried out. Significant geometry and force related variables are introduced;and by varying the geometric variables of the connections within a practical range, a matrix of test cases is obtained. Maximum end-plate separation, maximum bending stresses in the end-plate, and the forces from the connection bolts for these test cases are obtained. From the FE analysis, a database is produced to collect results for the artificial neural network analysis. Finally, salient features of the optimized Artificial Neural Network (ANN) via Genetic Algorithm (GA) analysis are introduced and implemented with the aim of predicting the overall behavior of the connection.

Mechanical Behavior of Light Trusses Made of Poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber and Connected with Bolts and Tooth Plates

Poplar Laminated Veneer Lumber(Poplar LVL)is a new type of engineering materials with high strength,good reliability and small variability.Poplar LVL is manufactured from the fast-growing poplar,which is widely used in packaging,furniture and others,however,is rarely adopted in construction.In order to explore the feasibility of poplar LVL trusses in construction of roof,four 4.5-m-span Fink-and-Howe trusses were designed and assembled,which were made of poplar LVL with bolted-and tooth-plated connections.Vertical static loading on the upper chord joints of a truss was imposed by self-balancing test device.The mechanical properties of trusses were examined.The ultimate load,deformation character and failure mode of each truss were measured,observed and analyzed.Furthermore,four types of analytical models with different joint connection assumptions were used to estimate the ultimate load and deflection.The results showed that the poplar LVL trusses were basically in elastic stage before the design load was reached,showing good working performance under the action of design load.The bearing capacity of the trusses of bolted connections was greater than that of the tooth-plated connections.As for the same joint connection type,the bearing capacity of Fink trusses exceeded that of Howe trusses.The poplar LVL light trusses of both types of connections showed good structural performance,which could be reasonably used for building roof systems.

Characterization of Strength-Shift Behavior of Bolts Connected with and without Preloading

Bolted joins allow for more efficient joining of parts(mechanical and structural components)when assembly and disassembly,called interchangeability,are concerned.Also and for this reason,they are the most widely used in the final assembly,already in construction,in a state of final consolidation of the structure.This work began in a pedagogical action to compare the experimental results with those obtained by Eurocode 3(EN 1993-1-8)in simple joints with screws subject to cutting,the study evolved the analysis of the behavior of the screws themselves in the joint.Tests were carried out with great dimensional accuracy,for new bolted connections,with different bolt’s number,according to different arrangements and repeated in cases of simple and preloaded tightening.The experimental work,carried out on a uniaxial tensile testing machine,consisted in subjecting the connections to a growing effort so that the bolts,being subject to the cut,would break through the thread-free zone.The analysis of results and their comparison(in force—displacement diagrams)allow drawing conclusions regarding the true behavior of the bolted connections.The characterization of the thresholds of the initial zone of the force—displacement curves,in the cases of connections with preloading—was the objective of study.The transfer of forces and the influence of friction on the bonds without and with preloading were then characterized.The main objective of this project is to know the meaning of the calculated values in the preloaded and non-preloaded links by Eurocode 3.

Research Review of Principles and Methods for Ultrasonic Measurement of Axial Stress in Bolts

Bolts are important fasteners indispensable in the manufacturing field for their advantages, which include convenient assembly and disassembly, easy maintenance, refastenability to prevent looseness, and the avoidance of a phase change in the connected material composition. The precise control of the tightening force in bolts is closely related to the safety and reliability of the connected equipment or structure. Although there are many methods for estimating the tightening force applied to a bolt during assembly, poor accuracy in controlling the preload during the tightening process and a lack of monitoring to determine the residual axial force in service remain issues in evaluating the safety of bolted assemblies. As a nondestructive testing technology, ultrasonic measurement can be applied to successfully address these issues. In order to help researchers understand the theoretical basis and technological development in this field and to equip them to conduct further in-depth research, in this review, the basic knowledge describing the state of stress and deformation of bolts, as well as conventional testing methods are summarized and analyzed. Then, through a review of recent research of the ultrasonic measurement of the axial stress in bolts, the influence of the e ective stressed length and temperature are analyzed and proposed methods of calibration and compensation are reviewed. In order to avoid coupling errors caused by traditional piezoelectric transducers, two newly proposed ultrasonic coupling technologies, the electromagnetic acoustic transducer(EMAT) and the permanent mounted transducer system(PMTS), are reviewed. Finally, the new direction of research of the detection of residual axial stress in in-service bolts that have been assembled to yield is discussed.

Multi-scale strength analysis of bolted connections used in integral thermal protection system

Efficient and accurate strength analysis of bolted connections is essential in analyzing the integral thermal protection system（ITPS） of hypersonic vehicles, since the system bears severe loads and structural failures usually occur at the connections. Investigations of composite mechanical properties used in ITPS are still in progress as the architecture of the composites is complex. A new method is proposed in this paper for strength analysis of bolted connections by investigating the elastic behavior and failure strength of three-dimensional C/C orthogonal composites used in ITPS. In this method a multi-scale finite element method incorporating the global–local method is established to ensure high efficiency in macro-scale and precision in meso-scale in analysis.Simulation results reveal that predictions of material properties show reasonable accuracy compared with test results. And the multi-scale method can analyze the strength of connections efficiently and accurately.

Ultimate strength of single shear bolted connections with cold-formed ferritic stainless steel

This paper is focused on the structural behavior of the single shear bolted connections with thin-walled ferritic stainless steel.The purpose of this study is to investigate the ultimate behaviors,such as ultimate strength and fracture mode of the single shear bolted connections of thin-walled ferritic stainless steel(low cost steel) rather than austenitic stainless steel(high cost steel).Bolt arrangement and end distance parallel to the direction of applied load are considered as main variables of the test specimens for bolted connections.Specimens have a constant dimension of edge distance perpendicular to the loading direction,bolt diameter,pitch,and gauge.A monotonic tensile test for specimens has been carried out and some bolted connections with long end distance showed curling(out of plane deformation) occurrence which led to strength reduction.The ultimate behaviors such as fracture mode,ultimate strength are compared with those predicted by current design codes.Further,conditions of curling occurrence and the strength reduction due to curling are investigated and modified strength equations are suggested considering the curling effect.

Experimental and analytical studies on the deformability of a precast RC shear wall involving bolted connections

To study the deformability and ductility of an innovative precast shear wall joined by bolted connections,experimental tests were conducted on two test walls under monotonic and cyclic loading,respectively;subsequently,theoretical analysis was performed on the deformation performance of the shear wall assembly.The test results confirmed the favorable deformability and ductility of the specimens.The top displacement of the shear wall assembly was analytically decomposed into several constituent parts,the theoretical formulae of which were subsequently deduced.The compositional analysis demonstrated that the top displacement of the test wall was primarily induced by the elastic deformation of the upper wall panel(UWP),the relative slippages within the bolted connections,and the flexural deformation within the plastic region of the UWP,while the constituent part contributed by the deformation in the connecting steel frame can be neglected.

State-of-the-art on resistance of bearing-type bolted connections in high strength steel

With the recent development of material science,high strength steel(HSS)has become a practical solution for landmark buildings and major projects.The current codes for design of bearing-type bolted connections of steel constructions were established based on the research of conventional steels.Since the mechanical properties of HSS are different from those of conventional steels,more works should be done to develop the appropriate approach for the design of bearing-type bolted connections in HSS.A review of the research carried out on bearing-type bolted connections fabricated from conventional steel and HSS is presented.The up-to-date tests conducted at Tongji University on four connection types fabricated from three grades of HSS with nominal yield strengths of 550,690,and 890 MPa are presented.The previous research on failure modes,bearing resistance and the design with consideration of bolt hole elongation are summarized.It is found that the behavior of bolted connections in HSS have no drastic difference compared to that of conventional steel connections.Although the ductility is reduced,plastic deformation capacity of HSS is sufficient to ensure the load redistribution between different bolts with normal construction tolerances.It is also found that behavior of each bolt of multi-bolt connections arranged in perpendicular to load direction is almost identical to that of a single-bolt connection with the same end distance.For connections with bolts arranged in parallel to load direction,the deformation capacity of the whole connection depends on the minimum value between the end distance and the spacing distances in load direction.The comparison with existing design codes shows that Eurocode3 and Chinese GB50017-2017 are conservative for the design of bolted connections in HSS while AISC 360-16 may overestimate the bearing resistance of bolted connections.

Research of Surface Coating Influence on Loose Life of Bolt

The rust⁃proof ability relate to the reliability of bolt connection,and the painting is the most simple and effective rust⁃proof method in industry.Because of lacking general standard,there are different coating thicknesses painted on the surface of workpieces,which influences the loose life of connecting bolt.For the longer loose life,Three kinds of applied coatings(primer coating,primer+top⁃coat coating,primer+intermediate⁃coat+top⁃coat coating)in industry are tested in the experiment,and the best coating is found.All the conclusions gotten by analyzing the testing phenomenon of every coating shown in experiment,have profound meaning for practical industry application.

模块化钢结构梁柱子结构抗连续倒塌性能研究

模块化钢结构作为一种高度预制的装配式建筑,具有工业化程度高、绿色节能环保等优点。但是,由于模块化钢结构体系超静定次数较低,其在极端荷载工况下的抗连续倒塌性能应予以特别关注。模块化钢结构梁柱子结构作为主要的传力路径,具有多梁多柱等有别于传统框架梁柱子结构的特点,需对其抗连续倒塌性能开展研究工作。该文针对采用螺栓-角件连接节点的模块化钢结构梁柱子结构进行Pushdown试验及数值模拟,分析了在双柱失效、单柱失效工况下试件的破坏模式和抗连续倒塌机理。结果表明,梁柱子结构在两种工况下的受力机理不同:在双柱失效工况下,梁柱子结构抗力主要由梁机制提供,加载后期抗力提供方式体现出一定的悬链线机制,并随水平连接板厚度的增加而增强;在单柱失效工况下,子结构抗力主要由模块间水平连接抗剪能力提供,由梁机制及悬链线机制提供的抗力较小。

钢管混凝土柱-钢梁外加强环螺栓连接节点抗震性能有限元分析

为深入研究钢管混凝土柱-钢梁外加强环螺栓连接节点的抗震性能,建立了螺栓连接节点的精细化三维实体有限元模型。在对已有试验成果进行验证分析的基础上,研究加劲肋、螺栓连接数量对节点塑性耗能分配机制的影响。结果表明:当钢材本构后期考虑韧性损伤后,有限元计算结果与已有拟静力试验结果更吻合;CFST-1节点(梁高300 mm,有螺栓垫板)耗能能力最优,但仅达到相应焊接节点的一半;与CFST-1节点相比,CFST-3节点(梁高300 mm,无螺栓垫板)及CFST-2节点(梁高250 mm,有螺栓垫板)的总耗能更低;各螺栓节点的塑性耗能分配机制主要依靠梁耗能,而相应的加强环焊接节点主要依靠梁与加强环耗能;当螺栓节点采用环板加劲肋、4排螺栓以及腹板加劲肋构造优化后,刚度、承载力、延性与相应焊接节点一致,总塑性耗能达到刚接节点的79.1%,基本达到刚接节点的抗震水平。

螺栓连接和拉铆连接在剪切循环荷载作用下的松动行为研究

拉铆连接凭借其优秀的防松性能,被应用于越来越多的工程领域。为研究国产新型拉铆钉在剪切循环荷载作用下的松动性能,以应用最为广泛的螺栓连接为对照,分别对规格为8 mm的4.8级普通螺栓、4.8级防松螺栓以及小规格拉铆钉进行剪切循环荷载下的松动试验研究,分析了三类连接在剪切循环荷载作用下的松动过程,研究了荷载幅值和频率对螺栓连接和拉铆连接松动行为的影响。结合微观测试手段分析其损伤形貌,进一步研究剪切循环荷载下螺栓和拉铆钉的防松原理及微动损伤机制。研究表明:在同种工况下拉铆连接的防松性能优于螺栓连接的防松性能;当荷载幅值增大或荷载频率减小时,螺栓连接和拉铆连接的松动程度增大;相较于螺栓,拉铆钉独特的圆弧结构牙型和铆接成型后牙型配合面的过盈配合机制,使其防松性能有明显提升;螺栓与拉铆钉的磨损机制主要是磨粒磨损和疲劳磨损。

单边螺栓连接中心支撑钢框架抗震性能分析

目的为研究支撑-半刚接钢框架结构体系的抗震性能,方法设计了一榀由嵌套式单边螺栓与T型钢构成的半刚性梁柱节点的中心支撑钢框架,并进行了拟静力试验与有限元数值模拟,通过观测整个试验现象,分析了其滞回、承载力、刚度退化、耗能等抗震指标。结果结果表明:试件破坏过程明显经历了弹性段、塑性段、破坏段三个阶段,试件破坏模式主要为支撑受压失稳破坏,塑性变形主要累积在支撑体系上,整体呈现延性破坏特征;支撑断裂后,梁柱及T型钢节点无明显塑性变形,钢框架仍具有较高的安全储备,符合“强节点、弱构件”设计原则,表明了结构具有两道抗震防线;结论支撑与半刚接钢框架协同工作使得试件具有较高的抗侧刚度抵抗水平变形,且承载力较高、滞回性能稳定、耗能能力优良;单边螺栓在试验过程中的受力性能较普通高强螺栓并无较大差别,未出现严重的预紧力松弛现象,并能高效的保持螺栓预紧力。通过有限元数值模拟分析可知,减小支撑长细比,虽能有效提高结构的抗震性能,但长细比较小会导致支撑刚度增大,加速其余构件的损坏。故应以考虑结构的延性为前提,降低支撑的长细比,才能有效提高结构的抗震性能。