An investigation on the influence of torque and R-ratio on the fatigue life of double-lap bolted joint using FEM

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings 2023-05
• Main Authors: Lokesh Kumar, P.J., Vasanthe Roy, J., Sevvel, P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Clamping Forces; Fatigue-life; Finite element analysis; Multi-axial fatigue; Stress Ratio
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.05.342

In this investigation, the implications of bolt-clamping forces, stress ratio and their interaction effects on the fatigue life of double-lap bolted joints were examined with the aid of numerical analysis. The part models of double-lap joints were modelled and subjected to three sets of clamping forces on the bolt's shank and three sets of longitudinal loads corresponding to three different stress ratios (R = −1, 0 & 0.5) with a constant mean cyclic stress. The stress dispersion in the joint plates resulting from the clamping force and longitudinal applied loads was evaluated using finite element simulations. These were used in turn to evaluate the fatigue lives of the bolted joints using the Crossland and Smith-Watson-Topper multi-axial fatigue criterion. The simulation results revealed that the bolt clamping forces have a positive influence on the fatigue life of the joint owing to the compressive stresses around the bolt-hole. The results also revealed that increasing the stress ratio adversely affected the life of the joint.