bolted connections with solid elements

[ice_man]

Hello guys:

Does anybody know if we can simulate bolted connections in an assembly with all solid elements.

Thank you.

Cheers

 

[ghgarzon]

Yes you can. but why would you want to model the bolted connection with solid elements?


This is what I have done with acceptable results: Create a small separation between the mating parts; then, I use a rigid link between the opposite edges of the holes, making sure that I pick the twoedegs on each hole for the rigid link.


This techinque provides a load path, for modal analysis works beatifully. However, if what you want to address is the bolt itself, then you have to model it. I recently had to determine the stresses on the threads of an ACMEbolted connection; I had no other choice but to model the bolted connection with solid elements and a with very accurate representation of the ACME thread profile.


There is also the possibility of modeling a bolted connection with pre-load included using static and thermal combined. I have also used contact analysis. You can do almost anything on a bolted connection. Yes, using solid elements


What you do depends on what is the purpose of your simulation, namely, creating a load path or studying the bolted connection itself.


I hope this helps.


Guillermo

 

[ice_man]

Thank you, Guillermo. That's a good piece of information.

I understand we can do that, but was just curious to know if we can do that by using a single button/icon click feature, like the welded connection in shell models.