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ECSS-E-HB-32-23A

16 April 2010

Space engineering
Threaded fasteners handbook

ECSS Secretariat
ESA-ESTEC
Requirements & Standards Division
Noordwijk, The Netherlands
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

Foreword
This Handbook is one document of the series of ECSS Documents intended to be used as supporting
material for ECSS Standards in space projects and applications. ECSS is a cooperative effort of the
EuropeanSpaceAgency,nationalspaceagenciesandEuropeanindustryassociationsforthepurposeof
developingandmaintainingcommonstandards.
This handbook has been prepared by the ECSSEHB3223 Working Group, reviewed by the ECSS
ExecutiveSecretariatandapprovedbytheECSSTechnicalAuthority.

Disclaimer
ECSSdoesnotprovideanywarrantywhatsoever,whetherexpressed,implied,orstatutory,including,but
notlimitedto,anywarrantyofmerchantabilityorfitnessforaparticularpurposeoranywarrantythatthe
contentsoftheitemareerrorfree.InnorespectshallECSSincuranyliabilityforanydamages,including,
butnotlimitedto,direct,indirect,special,orconsequentialdamagesarisingoutof,resultingfrom,orin
any way connected to the use of this document, whether or not based upon warranty, business
agreement,tort,orotherwise;whetherornotinjurywassustainedbypersonsorpropertyorotherwise;
andwhetherornotlosswassustainedfrom,oraroseoutof,theresultsof,theitem,oranyservicesthat
maybeprovidedbyECSS.

Publishedby: ESARequirementsandStandardsDivision
ESTEC,P.O.Box299,
2200AGNoordwijk
TheNetherlands
Copyright: 2010bytheEuropeanSpaceAgencyforthemembersofECSS

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Table of contents

0HIntroduction ............................................................................................................ 16 402H

1H1 Scope ................................................................................................................... 17 403H

2H2 References........................................................................................................... 18 404H

3H3 Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms ........................................................ 19 405H

4H3.1 Terms from other documents .................................................................................. 19 406H

5H3.2 Terms specific to the present document ................................................................. 19 407H

6H3.3 Abbreviated terms ................................................................................................... 21 408H

7H3.4 Variables ................................................................................................................. 22


409H

8H3.4.1 Uppercase variables.................................................................................. 22 410H

9H3.4.2 Lowercase variables.................................................................................. 24 411H

10H 3.4.3 Symbols..................................................................................................... 25


412H

11H 3.4.4 Subscripts.................................................................................................. 27


413H

12H 4 How to use the guidelines.................................................................................. 28 414H

13H 4.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................. 28


415H

14H 4.2 Procedure................................................................................................................ 28


416H

15H 4.2.1 Stage 1 ...................................................................................................... 28


417H

16H 4.2.2 Stage II ...................................................................................................... 29


418H

17H 4.2.3 Stage III ..................................................................................................... 29


419H

18H 4.2.4 Stage IV..................................................................................................... 30


420H

19H 4.3 Annexes .................................................................................................................. 30


421H

20H 5 General Fastener Analysis Guidelines.............................................................. 31 422H

21H 5.1 Introduction.............................................................................................................. 31


423H

22H 5.2 Main Joint Categories.............................................................................................. 31 424H

23H 5.2.1 Overview.................................................................................................... 31


425H

24H 5.2.2 Concentric Axially Loaded Joints............................................................... 32 426H

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5.2.3
25H Eccentric Axially Loaded Joints ................................................................. 32 427H

5.2.4
26H Shear Loaded Joints.................................................................................. 32 428H

5.2.5
27H Combined Loaded Joints........................................................................... 32 429H

5.2.6
28H Low Duty Joints ......................................................................................... 33 430H

5.3
29H Joint Analysis Procedure ......................................................................................... 37 431H

5.3.1
30H Overview.................................................................................................... 37
432H

5.3.2
31H Margins of Safety....................................................................................... 37 433H

5.4
32H Joint Geometry ........................................................................................................ 39
434H

5.4.1
33H Fastener Geometry.................................................................................... 39 435H

5.4.2
34H Thread Geometry ...................................................................................... 40 436H

5.5
35H Safety Factors ......................................................................................................... 43
437H

5.5.1
36H Overview.................................................................................................... 43
438H

5.5.2
37H The Joint Fitting Factor.............................................................................. 43 439H

5.6
38H References .............................................................................................................. 44
440H

6 The Preload ......................................................................................................... 45


39H 441H

6.1
40H Overview ................................................................................................................. 45
442H

6.2
41H Coefficient of Utilisation........................................................................................... 45 443H

6.3
42H Theoretical Aspects................................................................................................. 46 444H

6.3.1
43H The Relation between Torque and Preload............................................... 46 445H

6.3.2
44H Determining the Design Torque Level ....................................................... 49 446H

6.3.3
45H Locking Devices and Prevailing Torque .................................................... 52 447H

6.3.4
46H Sources of Error ........................................................................................ 53 448H

6.3.5
47H Forces Induced by Thermal Fluctuation .................................................... 55 449H

6.4
48H Mechanisms of Preload Loss .................................................................................. 56 450H

6.4.1
49H Overview.................................................................................................... 56
451H

6.4.2
50H Embedding ................................................................................................ 57452H

6.4.3
51H Fastener Group Interaction........................................................................ 62 453H

6.4.4
52H Gaskets ..................................................................................................... 64
454H

6.4.5
53H Metallic Creep............................................................................................ 64455H

6.4.6
54H Washers .................................................................................................... 64
456H

6.4.7
55H Torsional Relaxation.................................................................................. 65 457H

6.5
56H Margin of Safety on Tightening ............................................................................... 66 458H

6.6
57H Worked Example ..................................................................................................... 67 459H

6.7
58H References .............................................................................................................. 67
460H

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7 Concentric Axially Loaded Joints...................................................................... 68
59H 461H

7.1
60H Overview ................................................................................................................. 68 462H

7.2
61H Joint Stiffness .......................................................................................................... 68 463H

7.3
62H The Joint Diagram ................................................................................................... 69 464H

7.3.1
63H Overview.................................................................................................... 69 465H

7.3.2
64H Compressive Loading................................................................................ 72 466H

7.4
65H The Force Ratio....................................................................................................... 73 467H

7.5
66H The Compliance of the Fastener ............................................................................. 73 468H

7.6
67H The Compliance of the Clamped Parts ................................................................... 75 469H

7.6.1
68H Overview.................................................................................................... 75 470H

7.6.2
69H Compression Zone Configurations ............................................................ 76 471H

7.6.3
70H Determining the Compression Zone Configuration ................................... 79 472H

7.6.4
71H The Compression Zone Compliance ......................................................... 80 473H

7.6.5
72H Gasket Compliance ................................................................................... 81 474H

7.7
73H Calculation of the Loading Plane Factor ................................................................. 83 475H

7.7.1
74H Introduction................................................................................................ 83 476H

7.7.2
75H Simple Calculation of the Loading Plane Factor........................................ 87 477H

7.7.3
76H Analytical Calculation of the Loading Plane Factor ................................... 89 478H

7.8
77H Joint Separation ...................................................................................................... 91 479H

7.8.1
78H Introduction................................................................................................ 91 480H

7.8.2
79H The Margin of Safety for Joint Separation ................................................. 92 481H

7.9
80H Fastener Tensile Failure.......................................................................................... 92 482H

7.9.1
81H External Vs Overall Load........................................................................... 92 483H

7.9.2
82H Margin of Safety on Fastener Failure ........................................................ 93 484H

7.10 Thread Failure by Shear Pull-Out............................................................................ 94


83H 485H

7.10.1 Introduction................................................................................................ 94
84H 486H

7.10.2 Failure of the Female Thread .................................................................... 94


85H 487H

7.10.3 Failure of the Male Thread ........................................................................ 96


86H 488H

7.10.4 Margin of Safety on Thread Pull-Out ......................................................... 97


87H 489H

7.11 Crushing of Flanges ................................................................................................ 97


88H 490H

7.12 Repeated Loading to a Point above Yield ............................................................... 97


89H 491H

7.13 Dynamic Loading..................................................................................................... 99


90H 492H

7.14 Worked Examples ................................................................................................. 100


91H 493H

7.14.1 Preload in a Concentric Axially Loaded Joint .......................................... 100


92H 494H

7.14.2 Thread Shear Pull-Out Example.............................................................. 107


93H 495H

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94H7.15 References ............................................................................................................ 108 496H

95H8 Eccentric Axially Loaded Joints ...................................................................... 109 497H

96H8.1 Effects of Eccentricity ............................................................................................ 109 498H

97H8.1.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 109


499H

98H8.1.2 Prying ...................................................................................................... 112


500H

99H8.2 Joints with Large Areas of Contact........................................................................ 112 501H

100H 8.2.1 Compliance of the Clamped Parts........................................................... 112 502H

101H 8.2.2 The Joint Diagram ................................................................................... 117 503H

102H 8.2.3 The Force Ratio....................................................................................... 118 504H

103H 8.2.4 Loading Plane Factor .............................................................................. 118 505H

104H 8.2.5 The Interface Opening Limit .................................................................... 119 506H

105H 8.2.6 Preload Considerations ........................................................................... 119 507H

106H 8.3 Cantilevered Flange Joints .................................................................................... 120 508H

107H 8.3.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 120


509H

108H 8.3.2 Compliance of Circular Flanges .............................................................. 120 510H

109H 8.3.3 Force Ratio for Circular Cantilever Flanges ............................................ 124 511H

110H 8.3.4 Simplified Joint Diagram for Eccentric Joints .......................................... 125 512H

111H 8.3.5 Joint Diagram for Eccentric NonLinear Joints ......................................... 126 513H

112H 8.4 Fastener Loads in Eccentric Joints ....................................................................... 127 514H

113H 8.4.1 Bending Moments.................................................................................... 127 515H

114H 8.5 References ............................................................................................................ 129 516H

115H 9 Shear Loaded Joints......................................................................................... 130 517H

116H 9.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 130 518H

117H 9.1.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 130


519H

118H 9.1.2 Analysis Approach................................................................................... 131 520H

119H 9.2 Friction Grip Joints ................................................................................................ 132 521H

120H 9.2.1 Design Principles..................................................................................... 132 522H

121H 9.2.2 Slip Resistance........................................................................................ 134 523H

122H 9.2.3 Friction Grip Strength Analysis ................................................................ 137 524H

123H 9.3 Bearing Joints........................................................................................................ 138 525H

124H 9.3.1 Design Principles..................................................................................... 138 526H

125H 9.3.2 Fastener Shear Failure............................................................................ 140 527H

126H 9.3.3 Net Tension Section Failure of FlangeS.................................................. 144 528H

127H 9.3.4 Hole Bearing Failure................................................................................ 146 529H

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9.3.5
128H Shear-Out or Tear-Out Failure ................................................................ 150 530H

9.4 Eccentrically Loaded Shear Joints ........................................................................ 151


129H 531H

9.4.1
130H Overview.................................................................................................. 151
532H

9.4.2
131H Fastener Group Centroid......................................................................... 152 533H

9.4.3
132H Bearing Design of Eccentric Shear Joints ............................................... 152 534H

9.4.4
133H Friction Grip Design of Eccentric Shear Joints ........................................ 153 535H

9.5 Worked Examples ................................................................................................. 155


134H 536H

9.5.1
135H Shear Loaded Joint Example .................................................................. 155 537H

9.5.2
136H Net Tension Section Failure Example ..................................................... 158 538H

9.5.3
137H Eccentric Shear Bearing Joint Example .................................................. 159 539H

9.6 References ............................................................................................................ 161


138H 540H

10 Low Duty Joints .............................................................................................. 162


139H 541H

10.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 162


140H 542H

10.2 Low Duty Joint Design Guidelines......................................................................... 162


141H 543H

10.2.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 162


142H 544H

10.2.2 Insert Pull out Strength ............................................................................ 162


143H 545H

10.2.3 Joint Thermal Conductivity ...................................................................... 164


144H 546H

10.2.4 Joint Electrical Conductivity..................................................................... 164


145H 547H

10.2.5 Handling Size .......................................................................................... 165


146H 548H

10.2.6 Stiffness................................................................................................... 166


147H 549H

10.2.7 Tolerances............................................................................................... 166


148H 550H

10.2.8 Redundancy ............................................................................................ 166


149H 551H

10.3 Non-Metallic Joints ................................................................................................ 166


150H 552H

10.4 Low Duty Threshold .............................................................................................. 167


151H 553H

10.5 Example: Low Duty Thermal Joint......................................................................... 167


152H 554H

10.5.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 167


153H 555H

10.5.2 Initial Assumptions................................................................................... 169


154H 556H

10.5.3 Thermal Conductivity............................................................................... 169


155H 557H

10.6 References ............................................................................................................ 170


156H 558H

11 Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics of Fasteners ............................................. 171


157H 559H

11.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 171


158H 560H

11.2 Fastener Fatigue ................................................................................................... 171


159H 561H

11.2.1 Fundamentals.......................................................................................... 171


160H 562H

11.2.2 Palmgren Miner rule ............................................................................. 174


161H 563H

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11.2.3 Fatigue Design Principles........................................................................ 175
162H 564H

11.3 Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics ................................................................... 177


163H 565H

11.3.1 The Stress Intensity Factor...................................................................... 177


164H 566H

11.3.2 The Stress Intensity Correction Factor .................................................... 177


165H 567H

11.3.3 Crack Growth Calculations ...................................................................... 181


166H 568H

11.3.4 Corrosion Considerations ........................................................................ 182


167H 569H

11.4 Worked Examples ................................................................................................. 182


168H 570H

11.4.1 Fatigue of a Threaded Fastener Example ............................................... 182


169H 571H

11.4.2 Threaded Fastener Fracture Mechanics Example .................................. 183


170H 572H

11.5 References ............................................................................................................ 185


171H 573H

12 Preloded Fastener Installation....................................................................... 186


172H 574H

12.1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 186


173H 575H

12.2 Yield Load Controlled Tightening .......................................................................... 186


174H 576H

12.2.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 186


175H 577H

12.2.2 Method of Operation................................................................................ 187


176H 578H

12.2.3 Preload Developed in Fastener ............................................................... 188


177H 579H

12.3 Angle of Rotation Controlled Tightening................................................................ 190


178H 580H

12.3.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 190


179H 581H

12.3.2 Elastic Range Tightening......................................................................... 190


180H 582H

12.4 Ultrasonic Methods................................................................................................ 191


181H 583H

12.4.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 191


182H 584H

12.4.2 Ultrasonic Extensometers........................................................................ 192


183H 585H

12.5 Direct Measurement .............................................................................................. 195


184H 586H

12.5.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 195


185H 587H

12.5.2 Method of Application and Practical Considerations ............................... 195


186H 588H

12.6 Reuse of Fasteners ............................................................................................... 196


187H 589H

12.6.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 196


188H 590H

12.6.2 Effects on Friction Coefficients ................................................................ 196


189H 591H

12.6.3 Effects on Prevailing Torques.................................................................. 197


190H 592H

12.6.4 Recommended Practice for Fastener Resuse......................................... 199


191H 593H

12.7 References ............................................................................................................ 199


192H 594H

13 Corrosion......................................................................................................... 201
193H 595H

13.1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 201


194H 596H

13.2 Galvanic Corrosion................................................................................................ 203


195H 597H

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13.2.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 203
196H 598H

13.2.2 Factors Which Affect the Rate of Corrosion ............................................ 203


197H 599H

13.2.3 Prevention of Bimetallic Corrosion .......................................................... 204


198H 600H

13.3 Stress Corrosion Cracking .................................................................................... 207


199H 601H

13.3.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 207


200H 602H

13.3.2 Factors Affecting Stress Corrosion Cracking........................................... 207


201H 603H

13.4 Crevice Corrosion.................................................................................................. 211


202H 604H

13.4.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 211


203H 605H

13.4.2 Methods of Avoiding Crevice Corrosion .................................................. 211


204H 606H

13.5 Pitting corrosion..................................................................................................... 211


205H 607H

13.5.1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 211


206H 608H

13.5.2 Alloy Susceptibility................................................................................... 212


207H 609H

13.5.3 Prevention of Pitting Corrosion................................................................ 212


208H 610H

13.6 References ............................................................................................................ 212


209H 611H

14 Lubricants for Space Use............................................................................... 213


210H 612H

14.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 213


211H 613H

14.2 Lubricant Selection................................................................................................ 213


212H 614H

14.3 Plating and Coatings for Fasteners ....................................................................... 214


213H 615H

14.4 Liquid Lubricants ................................................................................................... 215


214H 616H

14.5 Dry Lubricants ....................................................................................................... 215


215H 617H

14.6 Codification of Space Lubricant Systems and Processes ..................................... 215


216H 618H

14.7 References ............................................................................................................ 216


217H 619H

15 Manufacturing Quality Control ...................................................................... 217


218H 620H

15.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 217


219H 621H

15.2 Manufacturing and Quality Assurance .................................................................. 217


220H 622H

15.3 Quality of Threaded Fastener Joints ..................................................................... 218


221H 623H

15.3.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 218


222H 624H

15.3.2 Process Variations................................................................................... 218


223H 625H

15.3.3 Material Variations................................................................................... 218


224H 626H

15.3.4 Tolerancing.............................................................................................. 219


225H 627H

15.4 References ............................................................................................................ 219


226H 628H

16 Joint Validation by Testing ............................................................................ 220


227H 629H

16.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 220


228H 630H

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16.2 Types of Testing.................................................................................................... 220
229H 631H

16.3 Development Testing ............................................................................................ 221


230H 632H

16.3.1 Overview.................................................................................................. 221


231H 633H

16.3.2 The Test Factor ....................................................................................... 221


232H 634H

16.3.3 Specific Development Tests .................................................................... 222


233H 635H

16.4 Production Testing ................................................................................................ 223


234H 636H

Annex A Recommended Starting Values for Seating Torque .......................... 224


235H 637H

A.1 Recommended values........................................................................................... 224


236H 638H

A.2 References ............................................................................................................ 225


237H 639H

Annex B Measured Friction Coefficients of Fasteners..................................... 226


238H 640H

Annex C Typical Friction Coefficients for Joint Materials................................ 227


239H 641H

Annex D Material Data of Fasteners Typically Used in Aerospace Industry .. 229


240H 642H

D.1 Overview ............................................................................................................... 229


241H 643H

D.2 Stainless Steel....................................................................................................... 229


242H 644H

D.3 Nickel and Nickel/Cobalt Based Alloys.................................................................. 232


243H 645H

D.4 Titanium Alloys ...................................................................................................... 234


244H 646H

D.5 References ............................................................................................................ 234


245H 647H

Other Useful References ..................................................................................... 235


246H 648H

Figures
Figure 5-1 - Joint Categories (1 to 6).................................................................................... 34
247H 649H

Figure 5-2 - Joint Categories (7 to 12).................................................................................. 35


248H 650H

Figure 5-3 - Joint Categories (13 to 17)................................................................................ 36


249H 651H

Figure 5-4 - Definitions of Forces and Moments Acting on a Joint ....................................... 37


250H 652H

Figure 5-5 Fastener Dimensions ....................................................................................... 39


251H 653H

Figure 5-6 Definition of the under-head bearing angle ...................................................... 39


252H 654H

Figure 5-7 Thread Geometry ............................................................................................. 41


253H 655H

Figure 6-1 Forces Present During Tightening (the Wedge Model) .................................... 47
254H 656H

Figure 6-2 - Typical Preload vs. Applied Torque Graph ....................................................... 54


255H 657H

Figure 6-3 - Fastener Faying Surfaces ................................................................................. 57


256H 658H

Figure 6-4 - Microscopic View of Surface Asperities Initially in Contact ............................... 57


257H 659H

Figure 6-5 - Embedding Preload Decay ............................................................................... 58


258H 660H

Figure 6-6 - Joint with Conical Mating Surfaces ................................................................... 60


259H 661H

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Figure 6-7 - Effect of Fastener Stiffness on Preload Loss Due to Embedding ..................... 61
260H 662H

Figure 6-8 - Increasing Joint Compliance Using Belleville Washers .................................... 61


261H 663H

Figure 6-9 - Initial and Final Preload of a Typical Flange Joint for the First Tightening
262H

Pass.................................................................................................................... 63664H

Figure 6-10 - Initial and Final Preload Levels after Four Tightening Passes. ....................... 63
263H 665H

Figure 6-11 - Self Tightening by Torsional Relaxation ......................................................... 65


264H 666H

Figure 7-1 - Typical Joint Components................................................................................. 69


265H 667H

Figure 7-2 Fastener Stiffness ............................................................................................. 69


266H 668H

Figure 7-3 Clamped Parts Stiffness................................................................................... 69


267H 669H

Figure 7-4 - Growth of the Joint Diagram Illustrating the Tightening Process ...................... 70
268H 670H

Figure 7-5 Application of external axial load...................................................................... 71


269H 671H

Figure 7-6 - Joint Diagram Showing the Effect of an External Axial Load ............................ 71
270H 672H

Figure 7-7 External Load Causing Gapping ...................................................................... 72


271H 673H

Figure 7-8 Joint Diagram for Compressive Loading .......................................................... 72


272H 674H

Figure 7-9 Dimensioning of the Fastener for Compliance Calculations............................. 74


273H 675H

Figure 7-10 - Compression zones in cylindrical clamped parts ............................................ 76


274H 676H

Figure 7-11 - The compression zone when multiple edge distances are present ................ 77
275H 677H

Figure 7-12- Approximation of the Compression Zone for Insert Joints ............................... 78
276H 678H

Figure 7-13 - The compression zone with multiple interacting fasteners.............................. 79


277H 679H

Figure 7-14 - Typical Gasket Deflection ............................................................................... 82


278H 680H

Figure 7-15 Gasket Showing Hysteresis ........................................................................... 82


279H 681H

Figure 7-16- Joint Diagram for a Gasket Joint Showing Gasket Creep................................ 82
280H 682H

Figure 7-17 - Tension Joint Loading Planes and the Forces Acting within the Joint ............ 83
281H 683H

Figure 7-18 - Joint Diagram for Loading Planes within the Joint (n < 1)............................... 84
282H 684H

Figure 7-19 - Geometry for Determination of Loading Plane Factor .................................... 85


283H 685H

Figure 7-20 Extraction of the Joint from its Environment................................................... 86


284H 686H

Figure 7-21 - The Basic and Connector Bodies ................................................................... 87


285H 687H

Figure 7-22 Joint Types According to the Points of Force Introduction ............................. 88
286H 688H

Figure 7-23 Basic and Connector Bodies of a Flange ....................................................... 89


287H 689H

Figure 7-24- Moment Conduction Factor Variation with the Connector Body Position......... 90
288H 690H

Figure 7-25 - Joint Diagram at Onset of Separation Failure................................................. 92


289H 691H

Figure 7-26 Joint Diagram Showing Repeated Loading into the Plastic Region ............... 98
290H 692H

Figure 7-27 Preload Loss with Repeated Loading into Yield............................................. 98


291H 693H

Figure 7-28 Joint Diagram Showing a Dynamic External Load ......................................... 99


292H 694H

Figure 7-29 Typical S-N Curve (For a Given Mean Stress)............................................. 100
293H 695H

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Figure 7-30 - Example problem of concentric axially loaded joint ...................................... 100
294H 696H

Figure 8-1 - A Typical Eccentric Joint................................................................................. 109


295H 697H

Figure 8-2 - Interface Pressure Distribution after Preloading ............................................. 110


296H 698H

Figure 8-3 - Typical Joint Eccentrically Loaded .................................................................. 110


297H 699H

Figure 8-4 - Redistribution of interface pressure (with force FA1 not sufficient to cause
298H

gapping)............................................................................................................ 111
700H

Figure 8-5 - An Eccentrically Loaded Joint with Gapping ................................................... 111


299H 701H

Figure 8-6 - Redistribution of Interface Pressure (Force FA2 Causes Gapping) ................. 112
300H 702H

Figure 8-7 - Limitations of the Eccentric Joint Analysis Method ......................................... 113
301H 703H

Figure 8-8 - The Interface Area for Multiple Fastener Joints .............................................. 114
302H 704H

Figure 8-9 - An Eccentrically Loaded Joint where s = a ..................................................... 115


303H 705H

Figure 8-10 - The General Eccentrically Loaded Joint ....................................................... 116


304H 706H

Figure 8-11 - The Joint Diagram for Eccentrically Loaded Joints showing the Non-Linearity
305H

of the Clamped Parts ........................................................................................ 117 707H

Figure 8-12 - Joint Diagram with a Higher Preload ............................................................ 118


306H 708H

Figure 8-13 - An Eccentrically Joint Loaded to the Interface Opening Limit with the
307H

Loading Plane Inside the Joint.......................................................................... 119 709H

Figure 8-14 - Definition of Flange Compliance due to Bending Loads at Different Points . 121
308H 710H

Figure 8-15 - Dimensions of a Fixed Circular Flange (with a Weldneck)............................ 122


309H 711H

Figure 8-16 - Bending Deformation of Circular Loose Flange ............................................ 123


310H 712H

Figure 8-17 - Simplified Joint Diagram for Cantilevered Flanged Joints............................. 125
311H 713H

Figure 8-18 - The Joint Diagram for Non-Linear Gasket Joints .......................................... 126
312H 714H

Figure 8-19 - Idealised Linear Pressure Distribution across an Eccentrically Loaded Joints
313H

Interface............................................................................................................ 128
715H

Figure 9-1 - Typical Double Lap Shear Joint ..................................................................... 130


314H 716H

Figure 9-2 - Load Deformation Curve for a Fastener in Direct Shear................................. 131
315H 717H

Figure 9-3 - A Symmetrical Shear Joint.............................................................................. 133


316H 718H

Figure 9-4 - The Joint Diagram for Each Fastener in Figure 6.3 ........................................ 133
317H 719H

Figure 9-5 - Typical Unsymmetrical Friction Grip Shear Joint ............................................ 133
318H 720H

Figure 9-6 - Fastener Bending and Tension in an Unsymmetrical Shear Joint .................. 134
319H 721H

Figure 9-7 - Simple Friction Grip Joint with Added Tension Loading ................................. 135
320H 722H

Figure 9-8 - Reduction of Shear Capacity with Increasing External Axial Load ................. 136
321H 723H

Figure 9-9 - Joint Design Features that Increase Slip Resistance ..................................... 137
322H 724H

Figure 9-10 - Shear Joint in Bearing................................................................................... 138


323H 725H

Figure 9-11 - Long Bearing Shear Stress Distribution ........................................................ 139


324H 726H

Figure 9-12 - Graphical Determination of the Margin of Safety on Combined Loads ......... 142
325H 727H

12
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010
Figure 9-13 - Fastener Group with hole clearance ............................................................. 143
326H 728H

Figure 9-14 - Shear load parameter versus hole clearance ............................................... 144
327H 729H

Figure 9-15 - Nomenclature for Net Tension Section Calculation ...................................... 145
328H 730H

Figure 9-16 - Ultimate Strength Reduction Factors for Net Tension Section Failure.......... 146
329H 731H

Figure 9-17 - Initial Bearing Contact Elastic Stresses and Deformations ........................... 147
330H 732H

Figure 9-18 - Elastic / Plastic Stresses and Deformations After Increased Loading .......... 148
331H 733H

Figure 9-19 - Idealised Bearing Stresses ........................................................................... 149


332H 734H

Figure 9-20 - Shear-Out Failure ......................................................................................... 150


333H 735H

Figure 9-21 - Tear-Out Failure............................................................................................ 150


334H 736H

Figure 9-22 - Nomenclature for Plate Shear Out Calculation ............................................. 150
335H 737H

Figure 9-23 - A Typical Eccentric Loaded Shear Joint ....................................................... 151


336H 738H

Figure 9-24 - Load v Rotation Curve for a Typical Eccentric Loaded Shear Joint.............. 152
337H 739H

Figure 9-25 - Shear Resistance Relative to the Centre of Rotation.................................... 154


338H 740H

Figure 9-26 - Shear loaded joint example .......................................................................... 155


339H 741H

Figure 9-27 - Shear Joint Example to Show the Method of Net Tension Section
340H

Calculation ........................................................................................................ 158


742H

Figure 9-28 - Offset Loads on Fastener Groups................................................................. 160


341H 743H

Figure 9-29 - Vector addition of the fastener loads ............................................................ 161


342H 744H

Figure 10-1 - Types of Inserts Used in Honeycomb Panels ............................................... 163


343H 745H

Figure 10-2 - Typical Earthing Arrangements..................................................................... 165


344H 746H

Figure 10-3 - Typical Low Duty Clamp Connections .......................................................... 166


345H 747H

Figure 10-4 - Equipment Mounting Box Geometry ............................................................. 168


346H 748H

Figure 11-1 - Typical Fatigue Curve at Constant Mean Stress........................................... 172


347H 749H

Figure 11-2 - Typical Constant Amplitude Loading ............................................................ 173


348H 750H

Figure 11-3 - Typical Stress Ratio Mean Stress Diagram ............................................... 173
349H 751H

Figure 11-4 - Typical Preload Effects on Fatigue Life of Fasteners ................................... 174
350H 752H

Figure 11-5 - Joint Diagram Comparing Steel and Titanium Fasteners ............................. 175
351H 753H

Figure 11-6 - Typical Fatigue Comparison ......................................................................... 176


352H 754H

Figure 11-7 - ESACRACK Model of a Circumferential Crack ............................................. 178


353H 755H

Figure 11-8 - ESACRACK Model of a Thumbnail Crack .................................................... 179


354H 756H

Figure 11-9 - ESACRACK Model of a Fillet Crack under a Fastener Head........................ 181
355H 757H

Figure 12-1 - Yield Load Controlled Tightening.................................................................. 187


356H 758H

Figure 12-2 - Torque and Gradient Values as a Function of e ........................................... 188


357H 759H

Figure 12-3 - Variation of Strain along Fastener ................................................................ 191


358H 760H

13
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Figure 12-4 - Prevailing torques during a series of loosing and retightening cycles of a LN
359H

29949 M6 fastener and with Helicoil LN9499 made of CuSn6 ......................... 198 761H

Figure 13-1 - Forms of Corrosion ....................................................................................... 202


360H 762H

Figure 13-2 - Grain Orientations in Standard Wrought Forms............................................ 208


361H 763H

Figure 13-3 - Assembly Stress Resulting from Mismatch................................................... 209


362H 764H

Figure 13-4 - High Assembly Stresses in Short Transverse Direction................................ 209


363H 765H

Figure 13-5 - Examples of Tensile Stresses in Short Transverse Direction Resulting from
364H

Assembly .......................................................................................................... 210


766H

Tables
Table 5-1 Margins of Safety to be analysed for a threaded fastener.................................... 38
365H 767H

Table 5-2 Physical Dimensions of Fasteners ....................................................................... 40


366H 768H

Table 5-3 - Derived Dimensions for Metric Fasteners .......................................................... 42


367H 769H

Table 5-4 - Minimum safety factors for analyses of threaded fasteners ............................... 43
368H 770H

Table 6-1 - Uncertainty factors of tightening methods (from reference 5.1) ......................... 51
369H 771H

Table 6-2 - Prevailing Torques of Locking Devices on Unlubricated Fasteners ................... 53


370H 772H

Table 6-3 - Approximate values for plastic deformation caused by embedding ................... 59
371H 773H

Table 7-1 Typical Substitution Lengths for Commonly Used Fasteners............................ 75


372H 774H

Table 7-2 - Loading Plane Factors for Simplified Method..................................................... 88


373H 775H

Table 7-3 Criteria for Axial Load Analysis ......................................................................... 93


374H 776H

Table 7-4 Shear Strength Ratios for Different Material...................................................... 96


375H 777H

Table 7-5: Preload in a Concentric Axially Loaded Joint, fastener material properties ..... 101
376H 778H

Table 7-6: Preload in a Concentric Axially Loaded Joint, Thread parameters.................... 101
377H 779H

Table 7-7: Preload in a Concentric Axially Loaded Joint, flange material properties.......... 102
378H 780H

Table 9-1 - Failure Modes of Shear Joint Types ................................................................ 132


379H 781H

Table 10-1 - Thermal Conductivity of Materials .................................................................. 164


380H 782H

Table 11-1 - Stress Intensity Factors for Thumbnail Crack in a Fastener Thread .............. 180
381H 783H

Table 11-2 - Stress Concentration Factors at a Fastener Minor Diameter ......................... 180
382H 784H

Table 11-3 - Analysis of cycles to failure ............................................................................ 183


383H 785H

Table 12-1 - y V for a Range of Fastener Sizes and Typical Friction Conditions ......... 189
384H 786H

Table 12-2 - Typical Scatter of Ultrasonic Extensometer Preload Readings Using a Direct
385H

Load Method of Calibration............................................................................... 195 787H

Table 12-3 - Friction Coefficients of Unlubricated Reused Fasteners ................................ 197


386H 788H

Table 12-4 - Prevailing Torques of Locking Devices after Several Loosening and
387H

Retightening Cycles for Unlubricated Fasteners .............................................. 198 789H

14
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Table 13-1 - Galvanic Series of Metals in an Aqueous Environment ................................. 205
388H 790H

Table 14-1 - Recommended Lubricants for Space Applications......................................... 214


389H 791H

Table 16-1 - Test Factors to be used for Given Probability of Failure ................................ 222
390H 792H

Table A-1 - Recommended torques for unlubricated fasteners .......................................... 224


391H 793H

Table B-1 - Friction Coefficients of Fasteners used in European Space Industry -


392H

Unlubricated Fasteners..................................................................................... 226 794H

Table C-1 - Typical thread and Underhead Friction Coefficients........................................ 227


393H 795H

Table C-2 - Friction Coefficients for Common Joint Materials (from Reference 8.3) .......... 228
394H 796H

Table D-1 - Stainless steel A 286 ....................................................................................... 229


395H 797H

Table D-2 - Stainless steel A2-70 and A2-80 ..................................................................... 230


396H 798H

Table D-3 - Stainless steel custom 455 .............................................................................. 230


397H 799H

Table D-4 - Stainless steel PH 13-8 Mo ............................................................................. 231


398H 800H

Table D-5 - Inconel 718 ...................................................................................................... 232


399H 801H

Table D-6 - MP35N............................................................................................................. 233


400H 802H

Table D-7 - Ti6Al4V ............................................................................................................ 234


401H 803H

15
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Introduction
0B

ABSTRACT
Theaimofthepresenthandbookistoassistthestructuraldesignengineersbypresentingthemina
single document with all the information relevant to the use of threaded fasteners in jointed
spacecraftcomponents.
BACKGROUND
Threaded fastener joints represent critical areas within structures and it is evident that a
standardisedmethodologyisneededfortheirdesign.
Thus,theaimsofthisdocumentare:
to bring together into one document a reliable and systematic design procedure to aid the
designerandimprovetheefficiencyofthedesignprocess,and
to provide an approved and reliable design procedure that will reduce the possibility of
designerrorsandsubsequentstructuralfailure.
This document addresses these aims with particular reference to Space Structures and related
hardware. This constraint is reflected in the range of joint geometries covered and structural
applications,andalsotherangeoffastenertypesandmaterialsforwhichdataispresented.
PURPOSEOFTHISISSUE
ESAPSS03208Guidelinesforthreadedfasteners,onwhichthisdocumentisbased,provideda
number of methodologies for analysis of threaded fastener joints in spacecraft structures. This
documentisanupdateofthePSStakingintoaccountmorerecentdevelopmentsinthefield.Itis
intended to standardise the analysis approach and corresponding documentation for threaded
fastenerjointsdevelopedinECSSprojects.Therefore,thisdocumentpresentsaMarginofSafety
foreachmodeoffailurethatshouldbeconsidered.Allrelevantmarginsofsafetyshouldbeshown
inverificationdocumentation.
GUIDELINELIMITATIONANDIDENTIFIEDPROBLEMAREA
Thishandbookdoesnotprovidetheoryforthefollowingtypesofanalysis:
Complianceofcantileveredflangejointswithnoncircularflanges
Frictiongripofeccentricshearloadedjoints
Nofailurecriteriaareprovidedforfastenerbending,whichsometimesshouldbeconsidered
(seeSubsection 9.3.2)
804H

GUIDELINESFORTHEUSEOFTERMSANDDEFINITIONS
Duetotheextensiveusedofthreadedfastenersinamultitudeofcountriesandindustries,thereisa
wide variety of terminology in use today. For the purposes of making a clear and coherent
handbook it was necessary to adopt a single consistent set of terminology. The terminology that
was chosen is presented in 3.2. To avoid confusion, it is recommended to refer to this section
805H

frequentlywhenreadingthedocument.

16
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

1
Scope
2B

Theusersofthisdocumentareengineersinvolvedindesign,analysisorverificationofjointsonstructures
used for space missions. It is a guidelines document; therefore it includes advisory information rather
thanrequirements.
Thisdocumentisintendedtobeapplicabletoanytypeofjointthatismechanicallyconnectedbythreaded
fasteners(e.g.bolts,screws,etc).Itiswrittenforjointsmadefrommetallicmaterials.However,subjectto
the engineering judgement of the user, many of the procedures presented herein may be applicable to
jointsmadefromcompositematerials.

17
ECSSEHB3223A
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2
References
3B

Referencesareprovidedattheendofeachsection.

18
ECSSEHB3223A
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3
Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
4B

3.1 Terms from other documents


18B

Forthepurposeofthisdocument,thetermsanddefinitionsfromECSSSST0001apply.

3.2 Terms specific to the present document


19B

3.2.1 applied torque


finaltighteningtorqueappliedbythetorquewrenchtothefastenerornut
NOTE Itisalsocalledtheinstallationtorque.

3.2.2 clamped parts


regionsofthejointthatarecompressedbythefastener
NOTE Among the clamped parts in a joint, there will always be at least two
flanges.Otherclampedpartsthathavespecialisedfunctionsinclude:
washers,spacers,gaskets,etc.

3.2.3 female threaded part


threadedpartintowhichthemalethreadedpartisinsertedduringfastenerinstallation
NOTE Thisisnormallyequivalenttoeitheranutorathreadedholeflange.

3.2.4 flange
clampedpartthattransmitsloadsfromathreadedfastenertootherregionsofthestructure

3.2.5 insert
partwithathreadedhole,whichisembeddedinaweakermaterialinordertoincreasetheloadsthatcan
betransmittedthroughthejoint
NOTE Itisnormallyametallicpart.

19
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010
3.2.6 joint
regionofthestructureinthevicinityofthethreadedfastener
NOTE The dimensional extents of the joint depend on the engineering issues
underconsideration.

3.2.7 locking device


physicalmeansbywhichthefastenerisheldintensionduringserviceandthatavoidslooseningofthe
fastener
NOTE Lockingdevicesprovidethesocalledprevailingtorqueorselflocking
torqueorrunningtorque.

3.2.8 male threaded part


threadedpartthatisdesignedtofitwithinathreadedhole
NOTE Thisisnormallyequivalenttothethreadedfastener.

3.2.9 nut
devicewithaninternallythreadedholewiththeprimaryfunctionsbeingtheapplicationoftensiontothe
shaftofathreadedfastenerandcompressiontotheclampedparts

3.2.10 nut-tightened joint


jointwithathreadedfastenerthatistightenedbyanut

3.2.11 prevailing torque


torqueprovidedbythelockingdevice
NOTE This torque needs to be overcome before the threaded fastener can
loosen(alsocalledrunningtorqueorselflockingtorque).

3.2.12 prying
changeinafastenersloadingcausedbyaleveringactioninflexibleflanges
NOTE Itoccursineccentricallyloadedjoints,seeSection 8.
806H

3.2.13 running torque


Seeprevailingtorque

3.2.14 seating torque


torquethat,whenapplied,producesthecompressionoftheflangesandthepreloadonthefastener.
NOTE When added to the prevailing torque the resulting torque is called the
installationtorque.

3.2.15 thread
helical groove on the external surface of a shaft (male thread) or the internal surface of a hole (female
thread)

20
ECSSEHB3223A
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3.2.16 threaded hole flange
flangewithathreadedholeintowhichathreadedfastenerisinsertedandtightened

3.2.17 threaded hole joint


jointinwhichthethreadedfastenerscrewsintoathreadedholeflange

3.2.18 threaded interface


pair of internal and external threads that are designed to fit together allowing relative rotation, and
therebyvariationofthelengthofthethreadedfastenersystem

3.2.19 threaded fastener


device that joins multiple parts together by compression of their flanges, where the compression is
achievedbyrotationofathreadedshaftintoathreadedhole
NOTE This definition includes all commonly types of threaded fasteners such
as; bolt, screw, threaded pin, etc. Throughout this document, the term
threadedfastenerisfrequentlysimplifiedtothewordfastener.

3.3 Abbreviated terms


20B

Forthepurposeofthisdocument,theabbreviatedtermsfromECSSSST0001andthefollowingapply:

Abbreviation Meaning
ASME AmericanSocietyofMechanicalEngineers
BS BritishStandard
CNES CentreNationaldEtudesspatiales(Frenchspaceagency)
DIN DeutschesInstitutfrNormung(Germaninstitutefor
standardization)
ECSS EuropeanCooperationonSpaceStandardization
EDM ElectronDischargeMachining
ESA EuropeanSpaceAgency
HB BrinellHardness
ISO InternationalStandardsOrganization
IVD IonVapourDeposited
LEFM LinearElasticFractureMechanics
LN LuftfahrtNorm(Germanaviationstandard)
M Metrictypethread
MGSE MechanicalGroundSupportEquipment
MJ MetricJtypethread(forimprovedfatigueperformance)
MoS MarginofSafety

21
ECSSEHB3223A
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Abbreviation Meaning
NASA NationalAeronauticsandSpaceAdministration
PSS Procedures,StandardsandSpecifications
PTFE PolyTetraFluoroEthylene
SCC StressCorrosionCracking
UN Unifiedthread
UNC UnifiedCtypethread
UNJ UnifiedJtypethread(forimprovedfatigueperformance)

3.4 Variables
21B

3.4.1 Uppercase variables


103B

Forthepurposeofthisdocument,thefollowinguppercaservariablesapply:

Variable Meaning
A Crosssectionareaofajointpart(intheplane
perpendiculartothefasteneraxis)
AS Effectivecrosssectionalareaofafastenerforstress
analysis
Asm Effectivecrosssectionalareaofafastenerforstiffness
calculations
Ath Areaofthe(cylindrical)surfaceassumedtofailduring
threadpullout
A0 Minimumcrosssectionalareaofafastenershank
A3 Crosssectionalareaofafastenerbasedonthethreadroot
diameter,d3
C Transversewidthofaneccentricjoint(seeFigure7.2.1)
Davail Availablediameterforcompressionzonespreading(see
Section 7.7)
807H

Dh Nominaldiameterofahole
Dlim Maximumconediameterofcompressionzonespreading
(seeSection 7.7)
808H

Duh,brg Outerdiameteroftheunderheadorundernutbearing
surface(seeSection 7.7)
809H

E Youngsmodulus
FA Axialforcetransmittedbyjoint
FQ Shearforcetransmittedbyjoint

22
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

Variable Meaning
FV Nominalpreload
FZ Maximumlossofpreloadduetorelaxation(includesall
sources,e.g.embedding,creep,etc)
Fb Tensileforcetransmittedbyafastener
Fc Compressionforcetransmittedbytheclampedparts
Fb , A Incrementinfastenertensioncausedbytheapplicationof
theexternalaxialload,FA
Fc , A Incrementinclampedpartscompressioncausedbythe
applicationoftheexternalaxialload,FA(negativefor
increasedcompression)
FK Clampingforceactingattheintersticebetweentwo
flanges
Fth Axialforcetransmittedbythethread
FT Maximum(mostpositive)incrementinafastenersaxial
loadduetothermoelasticeffects
FT Minimum(mostnegative)incrementinafastenersaxial
loadduetothermoelasticeffects
Gc Radiusofgyrationoftheeffectiveinterfaceareabetween
clampedparts
Ic Secondmomentofareaoftheclampedpartsinterface
area
K Stiffnessofajointpart(N/m)
KC Criticalstressintensityfactor
KISCC Criticalstressintensityfactorforstresscorrosioncracking
Lj Thejointlength.Thecombinedthicknessofallclamped
parts(measuredwithoutanyexternallypreloador
appliedload).
Ln Lengthofthenut
Lh Lengthofthefastenerhead
Lc Lengthoftheclampedparts
Lb Changeinlengthofthefastener

Lc Changeinlengthoftheclampedparts

Mapp Peaktorqueappliedtothefastenerornutduring
tightening(includestheprevailingtorque,MP)(Mappis
alsocalledinstallationtorque)
MB Bendingmomenttransmittedbyjoint(seeFigure4.3.1)
MP Prevailingtorque(alsocalledrunningtorque)
MT Torsionalmomenttransmittedbyjoint(seeFigure4.3.1)

23
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

Variable Meaning
Mth Torsionalmomenttransmittedbythethread(doesnot
includeprevailingtorque,MP)
Muh Torsionalmomenttransmittedbyfrictionalforcesatthe
underheadorundernutinterface
RS Shearstrengthratio
RZ Averagesurfaceroughness
Sr Slipresistanceofajoint
Tworking Theworkingtemperatureofthejoint(specifiedwith
upperandlowerbounds)
Treference Thereferencetemperature(generallytakenasthe
assemblytemperature)
T Changeintemperature
Wp Polarsectionmodulus
Yieldcorrectedpolarsectionmodulus
W p

3.4.2 Lowercase variables


104B

Forthepurposeofthisdocument,thefollowinglowercasevariablesapply:

Variable Meaning
a Loadeccentricity(distancefromjointaxistoaxisof
appliedload)
ak Distancebetweentheedgeoftheunderheadbearing
surfaceandthepointofloadintroduction(usedfor
eccentricjoints,seeSection6.6)
al Edgedistance(measuredfromholeaxistoedgeofflange)
b Effectivelongitudinalwithofthejoint(seeFigure7.2.2)
d Nominaldiameterofafastener
dS Effectivediameterofafastenerforstresscalculations
dhead Diameteroffastenerhead
dsha Diameterofashanksegment
dsm Effectivediameteroffastenerusedforstiffness
calculations
duh Effectivediameteratwhichunderheadorundernut
frictionalforcesact
duh,brg Outerdiameteroftheunderheadorundernutbearing
surface
d0 Minimumdiameterofafastenershank

24
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

Variable Meaning
d2 Pitchdiameterofafastenerthread(assumeddiameterat
whichtorsionforcesareintroducedwithinathread)
d3 Diameterofafastenersthreadroot
fZ Plasticdeformationofthejointduetoembedding
f T Thermalelongationofanitem

h Thicknessofaflange(referredtoasalengthfor
compliancecalculations)
hk Thedistancebetweenthepointofloadintroductionand
theinterstice(usedforeccentricjoints,seeSection6.6)
n Loadingplanefactor
p Pitchofathread
s Clampingeccentricity(distancefromjointaxistofastener
axis)
sfy Safetyfactortobeappliedtoyieldanalysis
sfgap Safetyfactortobeappliedtogappinganalysis
sfult Safetyfactortobeappliedtoultimatestrengthanalysis
sw Sizeofwrench(measuredacrosstheflatsofaheador
nut)
x Numberoffayingsurfacesthatresisttheshearload

3.4.3 Symbols
105B

Forthepurposeofthisdocument,thefollowingsymbolsapply:

Symbol Meaning
Coefficientofthermalexpansionforamaterial
Uncertaintyfactorusedinthetypicalcoefficientmethod
(notapplicabletotheexperimentalcoefficientmethod)
Coefficientofutilization(ratioofpreloadstresstoyield
stress)
Underheadbearingangle(seeFigure4.4.3)
Torquewrenchaccuracyusedintheexperimental
coefficientmethod(expressedatavalue)
Compressionconehalfangle(seeSection6.6)
Threadhelixangle(seeFigure5.2.1)
Localfrictionangleatthreadinterface
Halfangleofthreadgrooves(seeFigure4.4.3)

25
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

Symbol Meaning
b Complianceofthefastener(seeSection6.5)

c Complianceoftheclampedparts(seeSection6.6)

V Axialstressinfastenerduetonominalpreload,FV

y Yieldstress

th Frictioncoefficientatthethreadinterface

uh Frictioncoefficientattheunderheadorundernut
interface
s Frictioncoefficientattheslippinginterface(theinterstice
betweentheloadedflanges)
br Bearingstress

v.m. Vonmisesstress

Shearstress
Basicforceratio(assumesn=1andaconcentricjoint)
n Forceratioofaconcentricjointincludingtheloading
planefactoreffect
e, n Forceratioofaneccentricjointincludingtheloading
planefactoreffect
C Forceratioofajointwithcantileverflanges

Inversioncompliance(usedforcircularflange
compliance,seeSubsection7.3.1)

26
ECSSEHB3223A
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3.4.4 Subscripts
106B

Forthepurposeofthisdocument,thefollowingsubscriptsapply:
Subscript Meaning
b Fastener(orbolt,screw,etc.)
c Clampedparts(referstothenetelasticpropertiesofall
theclampedpartsinajoint)
nom Nominal
max Maximum
min Minimum
free Usedforfastenerorclampedpartslengthstoindicate
thatthemeasureisintheabsenceofappliedloading
sub Substitutional
th Thread
y yield
ult Ultimate
eff Effective
eng Engaged
crit Critical
tot Total(oroverall)
sep Separation
comb Combined(loads)

27
ECSSEHB3223A
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4
How to use the guidelines
5B

4.1 Introduction
22B

This guidelines document contains a number of selfcontained sections covering specific joint
configurations and joint loading situations. Additionally, it contains a number of sections on ancillary
subjectsrelatedtojointdesign.
In general, the user of this document will be experienced in structural design and will make use of the
varioussectionsasneeded.However,toassistthefirsttimeuserandtoprovideachecklistofessential
featurestobeconsideredwhendesigningjoints,thissectionincludesaprocedureguidingtheusertothe
relevantsectionsofthisdocument.
Thevariousstepsarediscussedbelowandthensummarisedinaflowchart.Sincethepurposeofthispart
of the Guidelines is to direct the user through the document, in general, the logic criteria on which the
decisions(accept/reject,yes/no)aremadearenotstated,rathertheseareincludedineachoftherelevant
sections(referencedasappropriate).

4.2 Procedure
23B

4.2.1 Stage 1
107B

4.2.1.1 Defining Joint & Loads


236B

The precept on which the guideline is based is that the joint being analysed can be isolated from the
surrounding structure. The joint can then be represented by one of five main joint categories, which
dependonitsconfigurationandappliedforces.Therefore,thefirsttaskistodefinethephysicalextentof
thejointwithinthestructure,andidentifyitscategory(seeSection 5).Itisassumedthatananalysisofthe
810H

structural system in which joint exists has been carried out in sufficient detail to specify the loads
transmittedviathejoint.

4.2.1.2 Combined Loading


237B

Thecaseofcombinedaxialandbendingloadingistreatedasaneccentricaxiallyloadedjoint,anddealt
withinClause 8.AmethodisgiveninClause 9todealwithcombinedaxialandshearloadingwhichis
811H 812H

assumedtobethemostfrequentlyencountered.

28
ECSSEHB3223A
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4.2.1.3 Dynamic Loading
238B

Inallbutexceptionalcasestheworkingloadonthejointwillbedynamic.Thisisdealtwithinmoredetail
in each section, as appropriate. However, it is recommended that the engineer, at an early stage in the
design process, is aware of theinfluence of varyingexternal joint loads on the loads transmitted by the
fastener and at the clamped interface. Reference is therefore made to Section 7.4, which discusses the
813H

forceratio.

4.2.1.4 Thermal Loading


239B

Analysis of preloaded joints operating in a varying temperature environment is needed to ensure that
they meet functional requirementsacross thefull temperature range.Section 6.4.1e coversthe effects of
814H

temperature change on the preload. Furthermore, certain joints have requirements for thermal
conductivity to be either above or below certain limits. Section 10 covers the analysis of thermal
815H

conductivity.

4.2.2 Stage II
108B

4.2.2.1 Joint Analysis & Design Procedures


240B

Depending on the category of joint, the user is directed to the appropriate section, which details the
equations needed to calculateMarginsof Safety(MoS)forallrelevant failuremodes.Worked examples
areprovidedtoillustratetheapplicationoftheproposeddesignprocedures.

4.2.2.2 Embedding & Relaxation


241B

Formanyjointdesignstheeffectsofembeddingandrelaxationareimportant.Theseeffectsarecoveredin
Section 6.4.1e.
816H

4.2.2.3 Fatigue & Fracture Mechanics Aspects


242B

For a more detailed analysis of either fatigue or fracture mechanics analysis, the user is referred to
Section 11,whichtreatsthesesubjectsinmoredetail.
817H

If,withinthegeneraldesignconstraints,thejointmeetsneitherthebasicnorthedetailedfatiguecriteria,
itmaybenecessarytoreconsidertheinitialjointdesignconcept.

4.2.3 Stage III


109B

4.2.3.1 Corrosion
243B

Environmentaleffectsareidentifiedasanimportantdesignparameter.Section 13discussesanumberof
818H

corrosionmechanismsrelevanttojointcomponentsandprovidesachecklistagainstwhichtheproposed
design can be assessed and possible problem areas identified. Where a severe or intractable corrosion
problem is predicted it may be necessary to review the initial structural concept, which may lead to a
changeinthejointsmaterialsordetaileddesign.

29
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010
4.2.3.2 Methods of Preloading & Lubrication
244B

Itisexpectedthatatsomestagethefastenerassemblymethodisspecified,togetherwiththeuseornotof
a lubricant. The method of preloading can be critical as this determines the accuracy with which the
fastenerpreloadcanbeachieved.
Section 12 covers a number of different methods of installing preloaded fasteners. Design data and
819H

estimatesofachievableaccuracyforthepreloadaregivenwhereappropriate.
Section 14containsadviceonlubricationaspectsandcontainsdetailsofthecharacteristicsofaselected
820H

rangeoffastenerlubricants.

4.2.3.3 Preloading Method


245B

Thecalculationproceduresneedthataparticularpreloadingmethodisspecifiedatthestartofthedesign
process. It is necessary to check later that the specified preloading method is capable of ensuring the
preloadaccuracytobeachieved,andalsothatitiscompatiblewithjointlocationandaccessconstraints.

4.2.4 Stage IV
110B

4.2.4.1 Manufacturing Quality Control Procedures


246B

Section 15providestheengineerwithaguidetothefactorsthatneedtobecontrolledduringproduction
821H

toguaranteeadequatejointperformance.

4.2.4.2 Joint Validation by Testing


247B

Considerationneedstobegiventodemonstratingthatthejointdesignisadequate.Thismaybeachieved
either by testing the complete structure or by isolating and testing individual joints. These aspects are
coveredinSection 16. 822H

4.3 Annexes
24B

The following Annexes of the document contain additional technical data that may assist the engineer
undertakingdesignofthreadedfastenerjoints:
A:Recommendedstartingvaluesforseatingtorque
B:MeasuredFrictioncoefficientsoffasteners
C:Typicalfrictioncoefficientsforjointmaterials
D:Materialdataoffastenerstypicallyusedintheaerospaceindustry

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5
General Fastener Analysis Guidelines
6B

5.1 Introduction
25B

For the purposes of this guidelines document the different types of joints have been divided into the
followingfivemaincategories;
a. ConcentricAxiallyLoadedJoints,
b. EccentricAxiallyLoadedJoint,
c. ShearLoadedJoints,
d. CombinedLoadedJoints,and
e. LowDutyJoints.
These are defined by the geometry and system of loading. Due to the different verification procedures
ShearLoadedJointsandtheCombinedLoadedJointsarefurthersubdividedinto;
BearingJoints,and
FrictionGripJoints.
Thecategorisationofjointsinthismannerisreflectedinthestructureandformatofthedocument.Within
eachofthemaincategories,subcategoriescanbeidentifieddependingonspecificgeometricalorloading
attributes.Detailsofthemaincategoriestogetherwithexamplesoftypicalsubcategoriesareillustratedin
thissection.Itisintendedthatthiswillbothindicatetherangeofjointtypescoveredintheguidelineand
operateasanindextodirecttheusertotherelevantpartsofthedocument.

5.2 Main Joint Categories


26B

5.2.1 Overview
111B

The definition for a particular joint configuration depends on the geometry of the clamped parts and
fasteners,andtheeffectiveloadingappliedatthefastener(orfastenergroup).AsstatedinSection1itis
assumed that the user has knowledge of the system of loads acting on the joint in the vicinity of the
fastener(s);thesebeingderivedbyanalysisoftheoverallstructurepriortodetailedconsiderationofjoint
design.Adequatedefinitionoftheappliedloadingsystemisessentialasthismaydeterminetheparticular
categorytowhichajointbelongsandhencethemethodofanalysisadopted.Thisisparticularlycritical
when distinguishing between concentric and eccentric axially loaded joints. The selection of the

31
ECSSEHB3223A
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appropriate analysis for the combined loading case is also dependent on adequate specification of the
loadingsystem.Morecomplexsituationsarisewherecombinedloadingoccurs,typicallyaxial,shearand
bending. However, where a single load is dominant in a combined loading case and other load(s) are
small it may be possible to assume the joint falls into one of the first three categories outlined below,
thereby simplifying the analysis without significant reduction in accuracy. Criteria are included to
determinewhensuchanassumptionisapplicable.

5.2.2 Concentric Axially Loaded Joints


112B

Thedistinguishingfeatureofthisjointcategoryisthatthelineofactionoftheappliedloadingonthejoint
isparalleltoandcoincidentwiththelongitudinalaxisofthefastener.Therefore,anycombinationofjoint
geometryandsystemofappliedloadswhichconformtothisdefinitionmaybeanalysedbythemethods
andproceduresspecifiedforthiscategory.
Examplesofjointsforthiscategoryareillustratedin Figure51to Figure53.Forclarityasinglefastener
823H 824H

isshown,althoughinmanycasesthesameanalysismaybeappliedtoagroupoffasteneriftheyareina
symmetric pattern. However, it should be noted that the effect of flange flexibility can lead to eccentric
fastenerloadsinjointsthatwithsymmetricfastenerpattern(see Figure53,Joint17).
825H

5.2.3 Eccentric Axially Loaded Joints


113B

For this joint category the line of action of the applied loading on the joint, whilst being parallel to the
fastenerlongitudinalaxis,isnotcoincident,butoffset.Theresultofthisisthataprying(orprising)
action occurs between the clamped parts of the joint such that bending loads are introduced under the
boltheadandintheshank.Threefundamentalloadingcasevariantscanbeidentifieddependingonthe
relativepositionoftheboltaxis,lineofactionoftheappliedload,andthejointcentroid.
This category of jointandits variants representa large proportion of the joints encountered in practice.
The main examples of these are illustrated in Figure 51 to Figure 53. For clarity a single fastener is
826H 827H

shown,althoughinpracticethismaybeagroup.

5.2.4 Shear Loaded Joints


114B

Theprinciplefeatureofthisjointcategoryisthatthelineofactionoftheappliedloadingonthejointsisin
theplaneoftheclampedpartsimmediatelyadjacenttothefastener,andthereforenormaltothefastener
longitudinalaxis.Theforcesneednotbecoplanarifthejointisofthenonsymmetricalorsinglelapshear
type.Jointsofthistypemaybefurthersubdividedintofrictiongriporbearingcategories,dependingon
whetherloadistransferredthroughthejointbyfrictionatthefayingsurfacesorbytransverseshearinthe
fastener(s). Examples of joints in this category are illustrated in Figure 51 to Figure 53. For clarity a
828H 829H

singlefastenerisshown,althoughinpracticethismaybeagroupifthejointhasmultiplefasteners.

5.2.5 Combined Loaded Joints


115B

Theessentialfeatureofthisjointcategoryisthatmorethanonesystemofloadsactonthejointrelativeto
the fastener axis. In the most general case features of all the preceding categories will be combined.
Examples of joints for this category are illustrated in Figure 51 to Figure 53. For simplicity a single
830H 831H

fastenercanoftenbeconsidered,althoughinpracticethesamemaybeagroupifthejointhasmultiple
fasteners.

32
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Duringthedesignprocess,jointsinitiallybeingplacedinthe(mostgeneral)categoryofcombinedloaded
jointsmaybereclassifiedintoasubcategory,forthepurposeofanalysis.Thisguidelinedoesnotprovide
specificcriteriafordeterminingwhenthissimplificationcanbeassumed.Rather,theappropriateanalysis
method should be determined using engineering judgment considering the relative magnitudes of the
shearandaxialloads,theconfigurationofthejointandanyotherrelevantattributesofthedesign.

5.2.6 Low Duty Joints


116B

Joints in this category have loadings and configurations that fit into one of the preceding categories,
howevertheyformauniquecategorysincetheyhavesmallexternalloadingwithrespecttothefastener
strength.Inmanycasesthiswillbereadilyapparentduetotheparticularapplication,e.g.holddowns,
accesspanelattachments,etc.Someexamplediagramsofjointsthatfrequentlyfallintothiscategoryare
shownin Figure51to Figure53.
832H 833H

33
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Figure51JointCategories(1to6)

34
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Figure52JointCategories(7to12)

35
ECSSEHB3223A
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Figure53JointCategories(13to17)

36
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5.3 Joint Analysis Procedure


27B

5.3.1 Overview
117B

The calculation of a mechanically fastened joint begins with the definition of the external operational
loadingenvironment,whichincludestheaxialloadFA,theshearloadFQ,thebendingmomentMBandthe
torsional moment MT (if present). For the fastener analysis it is assumed, that these external forces and
momentsareknown. Figure54showsajointwiththedimensionsindicated.
834H

MT

FA

FQ MB
FQ

MB

FA

MT

Figure54DefinitionsofForcesandMomentsActingonaJoint

Based on the applied loads and expected operating environment the joints configuration can be
determined including details such as the preload in the fastener, flange dimensions and the materials
used.Followingthis,thefunctionalityandstrengthofthejointsystemshouldbeverifiedbycalculating
allrelevantMarginsofSafety(MoS)accordingtheEquationspresentedinthisdocument(seebelow).

5.3.2 Margins of Safety


118B

PositivevaluesshouldbedemonstratedforallMoSthatareapplicabletothespecifictypeofjoint.
ThegenericequationforaMarginofSafetyis,

Allowable Load
MoS 1 [5.3.1]
Limit Load sf

37
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wheretheAllowableLoadistheloadatwhichamodeoffailureispredictedtooccurandtheLimitLoadis
the determined by analysis of the service loads expected during the joints lifetime. The sf is the safety
factorcorrespondingtothespecificmodeoffailurebeingconsidered.
For each of the joint modes of failure covered in this document, equations derived for the MoS are
provided. Table51showswhereeachoftheMoSderivationsisgiveninthishandbook.
835H

Table51MarginsofSafetytobeanalysedforathreadedfastener
MoS Relevantfailuremode Relevantjoint Referto
variable Description categories handbook
name Friction bearing setion
grip
MoSti,y& Combinedstressesinfastener Yes Yes 6.5
836H

MoSti,ult duringtightening
(yieldandultimate)
MoSsep Separation(orgapping)of Yes Yes 7.9
837H

flanges
MoSA,y& AXIAL STRESS IN FASTENER FOR Yes Yes 7.10
838H

MoSA,ult EXTERNAL LOAD ONLY


(YIELD AND ULTIMATE)
MoStot,y& Axialstressinfastenerdueto Yes Yes 7.10
839H

MoStot,ult preloadandexternalload(yield
andultimate)
MoSth Shearpulloutofthread(either Yes Yes 7.11
840H

nutorinsert)
MoScrush Crushingofflanges Yes Yes 7.12
841H

MoSslip Slippingofjointflanges Yes No 9.2


842H

MoSQ,y& Shearloadinfastener No Yes 9.3.2


843H

MoSQ,ult (yieldandultimate)
MoScomb,y& Combinedloadsonfastener No Yes 9.3.2
844H

MoScomb,ult (yieldandultimate)
MoSnet Nettensionsectionfailureof No Yes 9.3.3
845H

flange
MoSbr,y& Bearingstressonflangehole No Yes 9.3.4
846H

MoSbr,ult (yieldandultimate)
MoSso Shearoutofflange No Yes 9.3.5
847H

MoSben Bendingloadonfastener No Yes [1]

1.Notincludedinthisversionofthehandbook,howeverthisfailuremodeshouldbeassessed

38
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5.4 Joint Geometry


28B

5.4.1 Fastener Geometry


119B

Forafasteneranalysisseveraldimensionsareimportant.ThesearedepictedinFigure55and Figure56.
848H

duh,brg

Lh

Dh t1

dsha

t2

Ln

sw

Figure55FastenerDimensions

=180
=100

Figure56Definitionoftheunderheadbearingangle

39
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Table 52 shows the definitions of the physically measurable fastener variables used in this handbook.
849H

Someoftheseareomittedfrom Figure55forclarity.
850H

Table52PhysicalDimensionsofFasteners
Variable Definition Notes
p Pitchofthread
h Heightofthebasicthread
d Nominalfastenerdiameter Outsidediameterofthread
d0 Diameteratsmallestcrosssectionoffastener
shank
d3 Minordiameterofthread Forthetruethread,notthebasic
profile
dsha Shankdiameter Forneckeddownfasteners
duh,brg Outerdiameterofbearingarea Eitherunderaheadorundera
nut
Dh Nominaldiameterofholeinflange
A0 Smallestcrosssectionoffastenershank
A3 Crosssectionalareaatminordiameterof
fastenerthread
Underheadbearingangle Always100forcountersunk
aerospacestandardfasteners
(rightsideof Figure56)
851H

sw Sizeofwrench Acrossflatsdimensionofeithera
headoranut

5.4.2 Thread Geometry


120B

Figure 57 shows the geometric definition of the metric (M and MJ) threads. Both the male and female
852H

threads are based on the Base Profile shown in the left of the figure. The base profile defines the
maximum spatial envelope of the male threaded part (normally the fastener itself), and the minimum
spatialenvelopofthefemalethreadedpart(normallythenutorthreadedhole).Theexactthreadprofiles
aredefinedintherelevantstandards.TheonlydifferencebetweenMandMJtypethreadsisthethread
rootradius,whichislarger(togiveimprovedfatigueperformance)intheMJtypethread.
Table53showsthedefinitionsofthederivedfastenervariablesusedinthishandbook.
853H

40
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h
d3 Thread root radius
h
4
Male thread
(external)

2 =60

p D3 Female thread
(internal)
h
2
d2
h
8

Base profile

Figure57ThreadGeometry

41
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Table53DerivedDimensionsforMetricFasteners
Variable Notation Equation
Pitchdiameter d2 =d0.64952p [5.4.1]
Minordiameter d3 =d1.22687p [5.4.2]
Diameterusedforstress dS =0.5(d2+d3) [5.4.3]
calculation (forMtypethread)
=seestressareabelow [5.4.4]
(forMJtypethread)
Diameterusedforstiffness dsm =d3 [5.4.5]
calculation
Effectivediameteroffriction duh =0.5(Dhead+Dh) [5.4.6]
underheadornut
Stressarea AS =0.25dS2 [5.4.7]
(forstandardfasteners,Mtype
thread)
0.25(d3)2[2(d3/d2)2]
(forstandardfasteners,MJtype
thread)
=0.25d02 [5.4.8]
(forreducedshankfasteners)
Stiffnessarea Asm =0.25dsm2 [5.4.9]
Smallestcrosssectionoffastener A0 =0.25d02 [5.4.10]
shank

Ingeneral,thecorrectequationshouldbefoundintherelevantfastenertechnicalspecification,e.g.ISO
9152forTitaniumfasteners(Reference 5.1).
854H

For unified threads (UNC, UNF, etc) the same equations apply except that the pitch, p, is not normally
giveninthefastenerspecification.Inordertousetheaboveequations,itisnecessarytocalculatefirstthe
pitchbyinvertingthethreadsperinchspecification,whichisgiveninthethreaddesignation.
Tolerance information should also be taken into account in determining some or all of the dimensions
usedforstresscalculations.
ISO5855(Reference 5.2)specifiestheMJtypethread,whichisspeciallysuitedforaerospaceapplications
855H

andhasalargerdiameteratthethreadroottoimprovethefastenersfatiguelife.TheUNJthreadisthe
analogousmodificationforunifiedthreads.

42
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5.5 Safety Factors


29B

5.5.1 Overview
121B

Table54showstherecommendedsafetyfactorsfortheanalysisofthreadedfastenersinEuropeanspace
856H

projects (e.g. on behalf of ESA). Ultimate responsibility for the definition of safety factors for a space
projectrestswiththeprojectmanagement.Sincesafetyfactorsdependstronglyonthetypeofload,the
statedsafetyfactorsaretoberegardedasminimumvalues.
The safety factors can be decreased significantly if a test with the appropriate test factor is performed
either on dedicated test structure identical to the flight structure (a prototype test) or on the flight
hardware(aprotoflighttest).

Table54Minimumsafetyfactorsforanalysesofthreadedfasteners
Verification Testtype Test Safety Safety SafetyFactorfor
approach factor factorfor factorfor Jointseparation(or
yield ultimate gapping)
strength strength (sfgap)
(sfy) (sfult) Safety Other
critical
Analysisonly N/A N/A 1.25 2.0 1.4 1.2
Analysisand Qualification 1.4 1.0 1.4 1.4 1.2
prototypetest
Analysisand Acceptanceor 1.2 1.0 1.4 1.4 1.2
protoflighttest proof

Thesafetyfactorsdescribedin Table54areapplicableforallmetallicflightstructuresandincludethe
857H

normaluncertaintiesinloadpredictionandmaterialcondition.Thetestfactorisamultiplierontheloads
thatareappliedduringthetest,anddependsontheverificationapproach.

5.5.2 The Joint Fitting Factor


122B

In cases where the joint load distribution is difficult to accurately predict, an extra joint fitting factor of
1.15shouldbeappliedinadditiontothesafetyfactorsin Table54.Thisfactorshouldbeusedonyield
858H

andultimateloadsinthestructuralanalysisofallfittingswiththreadedfasteners,whosestrengthisnot
provenbylimitandultimateloadtestinwhichtheactualstressconditionsaresimulatedandmeasuredin
the joint and surrounding structure. This factor should apply to all portions ofthe fitting, the means of
fastening,andthebearingonthemembersjoined.
The fitting factor need not be used with limit and ultimate loads where the specific type of joint is
strengthverifiedbycomprehensivelimitandultimatetests.Thiswouldcommonlybethecaseforjoints
suchascontinuousrowoffastenersinsheetorplate.

43
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5.6 References
30B

5.1
859H ISO9152:1998 Procurementspecification:Bolts,withMJthreads,intitaniumalloys,
strengthclass1100MPa

5.2
860H ISO58552:1999 MJThreads,Part2Limitdimensionsforboltsandnuts

44
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6
The Preload
7B

6.1 31BOverview
The integrity of a threaded fastener joint, either shear or tension, is maintained by the preload in the
fastener. It has been shown that the optimum jointhasas higha preloadas possible.However, equally
importantistheneedtoaccuratelycontrolthepreloadtoaspecifiedvalue.Inmanyinstancesthereason
forfailureofboltedjointsisincorrectinitialpreload,lossofthepreloadduetoloosening,orrelaxationof
thepreloadduetoavarietyofmechanisms.
The fundamental problem, however, is to assemble the joint and accurately achieve the required initial
preloadinthefastener.Anumberofmethodsareavailableforcontrollingorachievingthepreloadduring
assembly.Thesearediscussedinthissection.
Themethodsdescribedaregenerallyamenabletotheoreticalanalysis,andwhererelevantthisisincluded.
It should be noted that, although apparently simple, the bolted joint is extremely complex. Simple
theoreticallycorrect methods suffer from inaccuracies,some quite subtle. The accuracy of the analysis
dependsonthespecificationofmaterialsandgeometricalparameters,whichinpracticeareimpossibleto
specifywithoutresortingtoempiricaldataderivedfromtestsonactualorrepresentativejoints.Friction
dataforsomecommonsjointmaterialsaregiveninAppendixC.
Thissectionrelatestothemethodoftorquetightening,whichisthemostcommonmethodoftightening
threaded fasteners. Other methods intended for obtaining more precise preload during tightening are
presentedinSection 12.
861H

Thetorquetighteningmethodutilisestherelationshipbetweenappliedtorqueandpreloadinducedinthe
fastener. The relationship is dependent on both geometry and effective coefficients of friction at the
underheadbearingregionandinthethreads.

6.2 32BCoefficient of Utilisation


The size and strength class of fasteners should be chosen taking into account the coefficient of
utilization .Thisisthemaximumpretensionstressdividedbytheyieldstressofthefastenermaterial,
V

y [6.2.1]

where V isthenominalpretensionstress,and y istheyieldstressofthefastenermaterial.

45
ECSSEHB3223A
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Thevalueof canbevariedinordertofinetunetheperformanceofthejointhoweveritshouldtypically
lieintherangefrom0.5to0.8.Therecommendedvaluetostartthedesignprocessis0.65.
Thenominalpreloadinthefastener,FV,canthenbecalculatedby,
FV y AS [6.2.2]
Inpractice,thepreloadachievedinservicevariesaroundthisnominalvaluedueeffectssuchasfriction,
inaccuraciesinappliedtorquemeasurement,embeddingandthermalloads.Theremainderofthissection
explainstheseeffectsandprovidestheoryforquantifyingthestatisticalscatterinthepreload.

6.3 Theoretical Aspects


33B

6.3.1 The Relation between Torque and Preload


123B

The idealised model used to describe the system of forces in action during tightening assumes the
developedshapeofthenutthreadhelixasawedgedrivenbetweenthewedgeofthefastenersthread
andsurfaceoftheclampedmaterial.Theaxialresultforcetransmittedbytheengagedthreadisassumed
toactnormaltotheidealthreadsurfaceatthepitchradius(d2/2).Theforcespresentduringtighteningare
shownintheleftof Figure61,andthecorrespondingwedgemodelwithforcesareresolvedintoaplane
862H

isshownontherightofthefigure.

46
ECSSEHB3223A
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FH




FASTENER
FH
p


FV

Figure61ForcesPresentDuringTightening(theWedgeModel)

Fromthelowerdiagramin Figure61theappliedforceactingtoslipthewedge(analogoustorotating
863H

thethread)is,

FH FV tan( ) [6.3.1]

where isthehelixangleofthethreadand isgivenbytherelation,


th
tan [6.3.2]
cos
where th isthecoefficientoffrictionofthethreadinterface,and isthehalfangleofthethreadgroves.

47
ECSSEHB3223A
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Thetorquepresentatthethreadinterfaceisthereforegivenby,
d2
M th FV tan( ) [6.3.3]
2
The underhead torque due to friction at the bearing surface between nut or fastener head and the
adjacentclampedpartisassumedtoactatthemeanbearingradiusofthehead(ornut).Therefore,itis
givenby,
uh d uh 1
M uh FV [6.3.4]
2 sin( 2)
where uh isthecoefficientoffrictionbetweenthenut(orfastenerhead)andtheadjacentclampedpart,
duhistheeffectivediameteroftheunderheadfrictiontorqueasdefinedbyequation[5.4.6],and isthe
underheadbearingangle(see Figure56).
864H

Thus,thetotalinstallationtorqueapplied(toeithertheheadornut)duringtighteninginordertoproduce
thepreloadFVis,
d d uh [6.3.5]
M app M th M uh M P FV 2 tan( ) uh MP
2 2 sin( 2)

whereMPistheprevailingtorque(selflockingtorque)ofthelockingdevice(seeSubsection 6.3.3). 865H

MP is subject to scatter so, in addition to quoting mean values, an indication of its expected variation
should be given by either the range or coefficient of variation. Mp is likely to vary with fastener size.
Subsection 6.3.2 contains more information about locking devices and Table 61 provides some
866H 867H

experimentaldata.
Thegeometricrelation,
tan tan
tan( ) [6.3.6]
1 tan tan
withtheapproximation tan tan 1 ,gives,
tan( ) tan tan [6.3.7]
Hence,[5.2.5]canberewrittenas,
[6.3.8]
d th d uh
M app FV 2 tan uh MP
2 2 sin( 2)
cos
2
orusingthegeometricrelation

p [6.3.9]
tan
d uh

48
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

[6.3.10]
p th d uh
M app FV d 2 uh MP
2 sin( 2 )
cos
2
TheappliedtorqueEquation [6.3.10]canbeseparatedintothefollowingterms:
868H

p
FV representingthetorqueabsorbedinstretchingthefastener,
2

d 2 th
FV
representingthetorqueduetofrictioninthethreadedinterface,
2 cos
2
d
FV uh uh representingthetorqueduefrictionunderthenut(orhead),and
2 sin( 2)
MP representingtheprevailingtorqueduetothelockingdevice
Atypicaldistributionofthetorquebetweenthesecomponentsisasfollows:
10% Stretchingbolt
30% Absorbedbyfrictioninthreads
50% Absorbedbyfrictionunderheadofboltornut
10% Prevailingtorqueofaselflockingthread
ThefollowingsimplifiedexpressionforMappcanbeusedforthecommoncaseofUnifiedorMetricthreads
(where =30)andstandardheads(where =180),
d
M app FV 0.16 p 0.58 th d 2 uh uh M P [6.3.11]
2
In practice manufacturing variations in p, d2 and duh are negligible. Thus, for a geometrically similar
fastener system, Mapp depends primarily on variations in th and uh . If, for a given joint, the friction
coefficientsarefixed,thetorquetopreloadrelationshipislinear.

6.3.2 Determining the Design Torque Level


124B

6.3.2.1 Overview
248B

Excessivefastenertorquecanleadtotensilefailureofthefastener.Ontheotherhand,insufficienttorque
can lead to inadequate compression of the clamped parts, leading to failure by gapping or to slipping
(whenslippingisnotallowed).
Thespecifiedtorquerangeisnormallyfoundbyaniterativedesignprocesswherebythemarginsofsafety
arecalculatedforeachrelevantfailuremode.
The maximum and minimum applied torques,Mapp,max and Mapp,min, should first be calculated taking into
account the torque measurement accuracy. The most common way to specify these torque levels is to

49
ECSSEHB3223A
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calculate them relative to a nominal applied torque, Mnom. Appendix A recommends starting values of
nominaltorque,Mapp,nom,forsomeofthemostcommonlyusedfasteners.
Twomethodsarepresentedbelowforcalculatingthepreloadrangebasedonthetorquerange:
a. ExperimentalCoefficientMethod,and
b. TypicalCoefficientMethod.
TheExperimentalCoefficientMethodshouldbeappliedwheneverthepreloadinthejointiscritical(e.g.
for friction grip joints) since it considers independently the uncertainties of the fastener friction
coefficientsandtorquewrenchaccuracy.
TheTypicalCoefficientMethodismostlyusedincaseswherecontrolofthepreloadisnoncritical.This
occursmostoftenforbearingjointsorlowdutyjoints.

6.3.2.2 The Experimental Coefficient Method


249B

Thismethodtakesintoaccountallsourcesofpreloaduncertainty,namelytheprevailingtorque,preload
lossduetoembedding,thermoelasticeffects,andthetorquewrenchaccuracy.
Firstly,themaximumandminimumboundsoftheappliedtorque,Mapp,minandMapp,minaredeterminedby,

Mapp,max= 1 Mnom [6.3.12]

Mapp,min= 1 Mnom [6.3.13]

where Mnom is the nominal applied torque (normally determined by an iterative process) and is the
torquewrenchaccuracy,whichistypicallyintherange5%to15%.
Thetorquewrenchaccuracyshouldbeguaranteedbycertificatesobtainedduringperiodiccalibrations.
Next, the maximum and minimum preloads are found by the following equations, which are derived
fromEquation [6.3.10],andmodifiedtoincludethermalandembeddingeffects:
M M P ,min
869H

FV ,max FT [6.3.14]
app , max


1 th ,min 1
d
d 2 tan
2 2 uh uh ,min
cos
2
( M app ,min M P ,max )
FV ,min FT FZ [6.3.15]

1 th ,max 1
d 2 tan d
2 2 uh uh ,max
cos
2
where FT and FT arethemaximum(mostpositive)andminimum(mostnegative)incrementsin
thefastenerloadduetothermoelasticeffects(seeSubsection 6.3.3),andFZisthemaximumpreloadloss
870H

duetorelaxation(seeSection 6.4). 871H

ThetermMP,mininEquation [6.3.14]isrelativelyinsignificantand,asaconservativesimplification,isoften
872H

excludedfromthecalculation.

50
ECSSEHB3223A
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The minimum preload calculated by Equation [6.3.15], includes the preload loss due to relaxation, FZ.
873H

Thistermdoesnotappearinthemaximumpreloadequation [6.3.14]sinceembeddingcanonlyloosena
874H

fastener,andthereforecannotincreasethemaximumpreload.

6.3.2.3 The Typical Coefficient Method


250B

Inthismethodanuncertaintyfactor isintroducedtoaccountforallsourcesofscatterobservedduring
thetighteningprocess.Thefrictioncoefficientsusedarenominal(oraverage)values.
(1 ) M app ,max
FV ,max FT [6.3.16]

1 th ,nom 1
d 2 tan d
2 2 uh uh ,nom
cos
2
(1 )( M app ,min M p ,max )
FV ,min FT FZ [6.3.17]

1 th ,nom 1
d 2 tan d
2 2 uh uh ,nom
cos
2
TheEquations [6.3.16]and [6.3.17]separatetheappliedtorqueintoitsminimumandmaximumvalues,
875H 876H

Mapp,maxandMapp,min.However,sincethepreloadscatterisdominatedbyfrictionvariability,inmanycases
itisequallyconservativetousethenominalappliedtorque,Mapp,nom,inbothoftheseequations.
Table61givestypicalvaluesof forarangeoftightening.
877H

Table61Uncertaintyfactorsoftighteningmethods(fromreference 5.1) 878H

Methodofpreloadapplication Uncertaintyfactor( )
Torquemeasurementofunlubricatedbolts 0.35
Torquemeasurementofcadmiumplatedbolts(*) 0.30
Torquemeasurementoflubricatedbolts 0.25
Hydraulicfasteners 0.15
Preloadindicatingwashers 0.10
Ultrasonicmeasurementdevices 0.10
Boltelongationmeasurement 0.05
Instrumentedbolts 0.05

Theuncertaintyfactorcanbereducedwhenthepreloadismeasuredbymoreaccuratemethodssuchas
thosediscussedinSection 12,orsometimesalsobyincreasingtheaccuracyofthetorquewrench.
879H

(*) This information is provided for reference only, since the use of cadmiumplated fasteners is not
allowed

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6.3.3 Locking Devices and Prevailing Torque
125B

A joint in a spacecraft is exposed to extensive vibration loads during the launch phase of its mission.
Therefore, all joints with threaded fasteners should have locking devices to avoid vibration loosening.
Lockingcanberealisedbyeitherselflockingthreads(applicabletobothnutsandhelicoilsorinserts)or
byothermeanssuchasadhesivesorlockwire.
Selflockingthreaddevicescommonlyusedinspacecraftcanbeputinthreecategories:
Helicoil(screwlock)orinsert:Thelockingisachievedbyoneorseveraldeformedthreadslocatedin
thethreadedhole.
Selflockingnuts:Thenutscrosssectionisdeformedtoanellipticalshapeandhastobereshapedto
acirclewhenscrewingthroughit.
Selflocking anchor nuts: The locking mechanism is the same as selflocking nuts but the nut is
anchoredtotheflange.
Avarietyofotherselflockingthreaddevicesexistforterrestrialapplications;plasticthreadinserts,etc.
Beforethefastenercanrotateitisnecessarytoovercomeacertaintorque,namedtheprevailingtorque.
Thisismeasuredbyturningthethreadedpartswhilethereisneitherunderheadnorundernutcontact.
Thispracticeisrecommendedforeverysafetycriticalfastener,whichhasaselflockingdevice.
The prevailing torque of some commonly manufactured devices meeting LN norms are listed in Table 880H

62. If an adhesive is used to guarantee locking of the threaded parts, tests should be performed to
determine its prevailing torque. It is important to note that liquid adhesives are known to act as a
lubricant prior to curing, so a lower friction coefficient should be used when determining the preload
torque.Also,theuseofliquidadhesivesaslockingmeanisnotrecommendedsinceitseffectmaynotbe
verifiedduringtheinstallationofthefastener(theinferredlockingtorquemaynotbemeasured).

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Table62PrevailingTorquesofLockingDevicesonUnlubricatedFasteners
FastenerType TypeofNutorInsert Size Mp,min Mp,max Mp,av
Cylinderhead Helicoil(screwlock)bronze M4 [2]
fastener, (notcadmiumplated), M5 1.10 1.60 1.28
LN29949 LN9499[1]
M6 2.60 4.60 3.36
M8 4.40 5.60 4.91
Anchornut, M4
LN29693 M5
M6 0.40 2.00 1.47
M8
Nut, M4
LN9161M M5 1.10 2.00 1.56
M6 0.50 1.00 0.66
1. LN 9499 is only applicable for CRES helicoils. DIN 65536-1 is the correct standard for bronze
helicoils.
2.Missingdatacanbeprovidedonrequest

Whenusing Table62someadditionalinformationshouldbeconsidered.Generally,helicoils(screwlock)
881H

asdefinedinLN29949showthelargeststatisticalspreadofselflockingtorquewiththemostandlargest
outlier values. These outliers are not taken into account in the table. Uncommonly high values for the
prevailingtorquenormallyindicateafailureofthehelicoil.
Table62isgivenasreferenceonly.Thereaderisaddressedtolookintothedatasheetspublishedbythe
882H

manufacturers of selflocking helicoils, inserts and nuts. They usually provide the minimum and
maximumvaluesoftheselflockingtorqueforeachthreadsize.Itisnecessarytomeasuretheactualvalue
oftheselflockingtorqueduringthefastenerinstallationprocess,andtocheckthatitiswithinthelimits
providedbythemanufacturer.
To avoid galling, it is recommended that the helicoils should be made from bronze CuSn6 material
number2.1020.34.

6.3.4 126B Sources of Error


Referring to Equation [6.3.10], the dominant factor contributing to scatter in the torque vs. preload
883H

relationshipisthevariabilityinthefrictionconditions.
Variations in fastener geometry that influence the friction radii will also contribute to scatter but to a
lesserextent.Ofthese,variationsintheunderheadandundernutradiiaremostdominant.
Inaddition,variationintheappliedassemblytorquewillalsocontributetoscatter.
Prevailingtorquescatterwillalsocontributetothevariationintheeffectiveassemblytorqueseenbythe
fastener.Tominimisethiseffectthetorqueappliedtoeachfastenershouldbeadjustedbyits(measured)

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prevailingtorque,whichismeasuredwhileturningthethreadedpartspriortocontactattheunderhead
orundernutinterfaces.
The effect of these factors on the possible scatter in the fastener preload is shown in Figure 62. This
884H

illustratesthedominanteffectoffrictionanddemonstratesthehighscatterpossibleiffrictionconditions
arenotcontrolledbythecarefulspecificationandapplicationoflubrication.
Figure62showsanexampleofthepreloadasafunctionoftheappliedtorque.Therelationshipislinear
885H

andtheslopedependsonthefrictioncoefficients.Thegraphshowscontoursofthefastenerstressratio,
v.m. / y ,whichindicatethestrengthutilisation.
Themaximumpreload,90%ofthefasteneryieldload,isfoundatthepointX,wherethemaximumthread
torqueMth,maxandminimumfriction min occur.TheminimumpreloadloadFV,minisfoundatthepointY
wheretheminimumthreadtorqueMth,minandmaximumfrictioncoefficient max occur.

min

X
max
Fastener
Preload
b
(FV) b , y 1 .0

b
Y b , y 0.9

Torque
Mth,max Muh,min

Mth,min Muh,max

Mapp,nom M app ,nom

Figure62TypicalPreloadvs.AppliedTorqueGraph

Regarding Figure62itshouldbenotedthattheappliedtorqueisdeterministic,i.e.thefrictionaltorques
886H

actingonthefasteneralwaysadduptotheexternallyappliedtoque,Mapp.Thismeansthattheextreme
preloadconditionsoccurunderthefollowingconditions:
Maximumpreloadminimumthreadfrictionandminimumunderheadfriction
Minimumpreloadmaximumthreadfrictionandmaximumunderheadfriction
The joint in Figure 62 has no prevailing torque device. This is evidenced by the fact that the torque is
887H

zerowhenthepreloadiszero.Includingaprevailingtorqueelementwouldshiftthecurvestotherightof
thisgraph.

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6.3.5 Forces Induced by Thermal Fluctuation
127B

6.3.5.1 Overview
251B

During thermal fluctuations the preload changes due to differing thermal expansion coefficients of the
fastenerandflangematerial.Also,themodulusofelasticityofthematerialscanbetemperaturesensitive.

Thethermalexpansioncoefficientrelatestheelongation f T ofanindividualitemwiththelengthL,toa
temperaturedifference T accordingto,
f T L T [6.3.18]

where istheitemsscoefficientofthermalexpansionand T Tworking Treference .


Assumingclampedpartsmadefromasinglematerialtype,therespectiveelongationsofthefastenerand
clampedpartsare,

f T ,b b L j T ,and [6.3.19]

f T ,c c L j T [6.3.20]

whereLjisthejointlength(equaltothecombinedthicknessofallclampedparts),and b and c arethe


coefficientsofthermalexpansionofthefastenerandclampedpartsrespectively.
Basedontheaboveequations,itcanbeshownthatthethermallyinducedload(inthefastener)isgiven
by,
FT ( c b ) T Eb Asm (1 ) [6.3.21]

whereAsmisthestiffnessareaofthefastener, isthebasic(i.e.n=1)forceratioofthejointasdefinedin
eitherSection 7.5orSection 8(dependingonwhetherthejointisconcentricoreccentric).
888H 889H

Theextremevaluesofthethermallyinducedforcearedenoted FT and FT ,andthesearegivenby


thehigherandlowerresultsof,

( c b ) Tmax Eb Asm (1 ) ,and [6.3.22]


( c b ) Tmin Eb Asm (1 ) [6.3.23]
wherethetemperaturedifferentialsaregivenby,
Tmin Tworking ,min Treference [6.3.24]
Tmax Tworking ,max Treference [6.3.25]

6.3.5.2 Clamped Parts made from Multiple Material Types


252B

If the clamped parts have multiple material types, a more general form of Equation [6.3.22] should be
890H

usedtoaccountforthedifferingthermalexpansioncoefficients,
m
f T ,c c ,i Lc ,i T [6.3.26]
i 1

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where c ,i is the thermal expansion coefficient of the ith clamped part, Lc,i is the length of the ith
clampedpartandmisthetotalnumberofclampedparts.
Itcanbeshownthatthisequationleadstothefollowingequationforthethermallyinducedloadinthe
fastener,
m
c ,i Lc ,i b Lb [6.3.27]

FT i 1 T Eb Asm 1
Lj

6.3.5.3 253BTemperature Dependent Modulus of Elasticity


Insomecasesitmaybenecessarytoconsiderthevariationofthemodulusofelasticitywithchangesin
temperature. When this dependency should be taken into account, the thermally induced load can be
calculatedbythefollowingequationthatassumesalinearvariationofEwithtemperature:
[6.3.28]


b f L f ( b Tb f T f )
FT FV 1
Ef Eb
Eb T Ef


T0

0 T0 T0
b f b E

f
Eb T Ef Ef
W TW
b TW
TW
where; E b T0
and Eb TW
are the moduli of elasticity of the fastener at the reference temperature and

workingtemperaturerespectively,and E f and E f arethemoduliofelasticityoftheclampedparts


T0 TW

atthereferencetemperatureandworkingtemperaturerespectively,and b and c arethecompliances


ofthefastenerandclampedpartsrespecitively(seeSection 7). 891H

6.4 Mechanisms of Preload Loss


34B

6.4.1 128BOverview
Therearefivemechanismsthatcauserelaxationpreloadlossinboltedjoints:
a. Embedding
b. FastenerGroupInteractions
c. GasketCreep
d. MetallicCreep
e. TensionalRelaxation
The user should be aware of the possibilities of such preload reductions and estimations of their
magnitude should be included in the design calculations. It should be noted that vibration loosening,
whichcancauserelaxation,isoutsideofthescopeofthissectionandstressrelaxation,usuallyduetoa
combinationofstressandhightemperature,isnotapplicable.

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Creep is a significant factor when the temperature exceeds approximately 50% of the recrystallisation
temperatureoftherespectivematerial.
In addition to the five mechanisms listed above, preload loss can also occur due to localised plastic
deformations in the fastener, if it is subjected to repeated loadings above material yield. This effect is
furtherexplainedinSection 7.13.
892H

6.4.2 Embedding
129B

6.4.2.1 Overview
254B

Whennewfastenersarefirsttightened,see Figure63,themaleandfemalethreads,theunderheadand
893H

undernutsurfacesandtheclampedpartsinterfacescontacteachotheronlyonmicroscopicallysmallhigh
spots,wherethesurfaceasperitiestouch,asillustratedin Figure64.Thematerialatthesehighspots
894H

willbeoverloaded,wellpasttheiryieldpoint,duringinitialtighteningandwillsubsequentlycreepuntil
alargeenoughareaoftheavailablecontactsurfacehasbeenengagedtostabilizetheprocess.

Figure63FastenerFayingSurfaces

Figure64MicroscopicViewofSurfaceAsperitiesInitiallyinContact

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Inaddition,plasticflowwilloftenoccuratthehigheststressedpointssuchasinthreadroots,atthefirst
engagedthreadinthenut,oratotherstressconcentrationscausedbyimperfectmanufacture(e.g.errors
insquareness,flatness,concentricity,etc.).
These relatively shortterm relaxation effects are known as embedding. After tightening the rate of
relaxationisa maximum,reducing exponentially, usually over the first minutes, to a constant very low
rate of creep as illustrated in Figure 65. Typically embedding accounts for only a few percent loss of
895H

initial preload, however 5 to 10% preload loss is not uncommon, and maximums of 25% for torque
tighteningand40%forhydraulictensioninghavebeenrecorded(seeReference 6.11). 896H

100
90
80
Preload 70
Initial Preload 60
[%]
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 10 20
Time from assembly [days]

Figure65EmbeddingPreloadDecay

ThepreloadlossFZtobeputinEquation [6.3.15]dependsontheplasticdeformationfZofthejointcaused
897H

byembedding.Thefollowingrelationshipsapply,
FZ f fZ fZ
Z [6.4.1]
FV fV f b,V f c ,V ( b c ) FV
where; fb,V is the elongation of the fastener due to the preload and fc,V is the elongation of the flanges
under preload, and b and c are the compliances of the fasteners and the clamped parts respectively
(seeSubsections 0and 7.7).
898H 899H

Thusitfollowsthat,
fZ
FZ [6.4.2]
( b c )
ThevalueoffZdependsonthesurfaceroughness,thenumberofintersticesinthejointandthematerial
type.Forexample,usingaluminiumforthefemalethreadcandoublethevalueoffZcomparedwiththat
ofsteel.
Foruncriticalcasesavalueof5%ofthepreloadcanbeusedforcalculationpurposes,i.e.:
FZ 0.05 FV [6.4.3]

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Otherwisetheappropriatepreloadlossshouldbedeterminedbyexperiment.Ifnoexperimentaldatacan
be gained, Table 63 can be used to find approximate values. This table may only be used if the
900H

temperaturesarebelow50%oftherecrystallisationtemperatures.

Table63Approximatevaluesforplasticdeformationcausedbyembedding
Average Surface Type of StandardValuesforEmbedding[m]
Roughness,RZ External Load
Inthethread Per under Per inter
Applied to
(asperRef. 7.3) 901H head or flange
Joint
undernut interstice
interface
<10m Axial 3 2.5 1.5
Shear 3 3 2
10m<x<40m Axial 3 3 2

Shear 3 4.5 2.5


40m<x<160m Axial 3 4 3
Shear 3 6.5 3.5

6.4.2.2 Tightening Methods


255B

The asperities of surfaces subjected to frictional sliding during assembly, such as during conventional
torque tightening, tend to shear and flatten thereby producing more embedding during assembly and
leaving less to take place after tightening. It is therefore recommended that tightening methods that do
not induce frictional sliding (e.g. hydraulic tensioning) be avoided unless galling (excessive friction
resultinginlocalizedwelding)orauniformpulldownareoverridingconsiderations.

6.4.2.3 Retightening
256B

Themagnitudeofembeddingpreloadlosscanbegreatlyreducedincriticalcasesbytorquetightening,
loosening and retightening several times. However, attention should be given to the reduction of self
lockingtorqueduetomultipletighteningcycles(seeSubsection 12.6.3).
902H

6.4.2.4 Hard Clamped Material


257B

Itisalsoanadvantage,wherepossible,touseflangesmadefromhardermaterialsorwashersthatresist
embedding.

6.4.2.5 Controlled Thread Dimensions


258B

To minimisepreload loss in the thread, bolts with the tightest tolerance classof thread that is available
shouldbeused.ForexampleClass3ispreferredtoClass2asarerootradiuscontrolledJclassthreadsto
standardthreads,androlledthreadsshouldbeusedinpreferencetocutthreads.Theuseoffastenerswith
cutmachinedthreadsissubjecttoapproval.

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6.4.2.6 Conical Components
259B

Conicaljointmatingsurfacesasillustratedin Figure66shouldbeavoided.Forthesejointconfigurations
903H

relaxationperpendiculartotheconicalsurface(duetoembedding)resultsisafargreaterrelaxationinthe
directionofthefasteneraxis.

Figure66JointwithConicalMatingSurfaces

6.4.2.7 Component Stiffness


260B

Long thin compliant fasteners should be used in preference to short, stubby stiff fasteners. The total
amount of embedding will be the same for both for a given preload but for the compliant fastener the
stiffness is less and hence a smaller preload loss occurs (see Figure 67). Similarly Belleville washers
904H

(conicalspringwashersasshownin Figure68)canbeusedtoincreasethecomplianceoftheclamped
905H

partsandhencereducetheeffectofembedding.

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Figure67EffectofFastenerStiffnessonPreloadLossDuetoEmbedding

Figure68IncreasingJointComplianceUsingBellevilleWashers

6.4.2.8 Bearing Strength


261B

Relaxation will occur by major material plastic flow if the bearing surfaces are not large enough or the
appliedstressesarenotdistributedproperly.
Itisimportanttoensureinthedesign,manufactureandqualitycontrolcheckingthat:

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Theunderheadradiusdoesnotfoultheedgeoftheclampedpartschamfer,whichcanresultina
verysmallcontactarealeadingtoexaggeratedembeddingwithacorrespondingpreloadloss.
Conversely,thechamferisnotsogreatthattoosmallanunderheadbearingarearesultsandthe
boltheadembedsintotheclampedmaterial.
slottedholes,whichcangreatlyreducethebearingareaundertheheadornut,areavoided.

6.4.2.9 Thread Engagement


262B

The minimum acceptable thread engagement of high strength steel or titanium fastener is 0.8 times the
nominaldiameterofthefastener.Atleast1.5dthreadengagementshouldbeusedforsuchfastenerused
inaluminiumtappedholes,evenifwirethreadinserts(e.g.helicoils)areused.

6.4.2.10 Lubrication Migration


263B

Some lubricants can gradually migrate from the fastener and joint contacting surfaces causing a small
amountofrelaxationpreloadloss.

6.4.2.11 Surface Roughness


264B

Fromtheinitialdiscussionofthissectionitisevidentthatifsurfaceroughnessisminimisedbygrinding
orpolishingtherelaxationeffectsofembeddingcanbereduced,butnoteliminated.
Anotherobviouspointisthatthetotalamountofembeddingisrelatedtothenumberofjointinterfaces.

6.4.3 Fastener Group Interaction


130B

6.4.3.1 Overview
265B

Someshorttermrelaxationproblemsevolveduetointeractionsbetweenfastenersingroups.

6.4.3.2 Elastic Interaction


266B

Whenthefirstfastenerinagroupistightened,itiselongatedandthejointinitsvicinityiscompressed.
When an adjacent fastener is tightened, the joint in the vicinity of the first fastener can be further
compressed causing relaxation of that fastener. The amount of interaction depends on such factors as
clampedpartsstiffness,thespacingoffastenersandwhetheragasketisused.Preloadlossesintheorder
of50%to100%havebeenrecorded(seeReference 6.3).Anexampleofthisproblemisgivenin Figure69
906H 907H

and Figure610inwhicheightfastenersonthesameflangearetightenedinsequence. Figure69shows


908H 909H

thesawtootheffectofonetighteningpassasthelastfastenertightenedinaparticularquadrantendup
with a greater preload than those immediately adjacent to it. However, after four passes Figure 610
910H

illustratesthatthefinalrelaxationpatternisnotaregularsawtooth.Ateachpassthejointistightenedby
successivelyhigher,butuniform,torquestothefasteners.
Thisproblemcanbepartlyovercomebygivinghigherinitialpreloadstothosefastenersexpectedtorelax
themost,thusproducingamoreuniformfastenerloadafterrelaxation.Thehighestaccuracyisachieved
bymonitoringpreloadtests,usingatechniquesuchasultrasonics,andapplyingsmallamountsofextra
torquetothefastenerswithinsufficientpreload.

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6.4.3.3 Bent Flanges
267B

If flanges are soft, warped or bent, tightening one fastener can cause relaxation (or additional stress) in
otherfasteners.Aprecautionaryfinaltorquepassisalwaysmadewhenassemblingjointswithmultiple
fasteners.

Figure69InitialandFinalPreloadofaTypicalFlangeJointfortheFirstTightening
Pass.

Figure610InitialandFinalPreloadLevelsafterFourTighteningPasses.

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6.4.3.4 Motorized Tightening Speed and Interaction Effects
268B

If flanges with a large number of fasteners are tightened simultaneously using a motorized technique
thereisagreatdangerofhighpreloadlossduetoembedding.Afastenertightenedalonewillseehigher
stress than if tightened in a group, where all the bolts share the load evenly as it develops. Also this
tightening process is usually carried out at relatively high speeds. It is therefore recommended that the
torqueisappliedinaseriesofincrementsandthattimeisallowedbetweeneachpassforembeddingto
takeplace.Thisrecommendationisparticularlyrelevantwheregasketsareused.

6.4.4 Gaskets
131B

Outgassingconstraintsrestricttheselectionofgasketmaterialsthataresuitableforspaceapplications.It
is usually preferred, where possible, to eliminate gaskets and rely on metaltometal sealing of flanges.
Wherethiscannotbeachievedapreformedgasketfromfullycuredsiliconerubberorasoftmetalsuchas
leadorasoftaluminiumalloyisusedtoformtheseal.
Gasketcreepisanotherformofrelativelyshorttermrelaxation.Havingagasketinajointensureslarge
amountsofrelaxationcomparedtothatexpectedwithnormalembedding.Infact,agasketisdeliberately
designed to deform plastically to some extent in order to plug the paths through which the contained
fluidorgaswouldotherwiseescape.Likeanyplasticmaterialitwillcreepwhenfirstsubjectedtohigh
surface pressures. The amount of creep is difficult to predict since it is dependent on many factors
includingthelevelofcompressiveloadgeneratedbythefasteners.
Thefollowingrecommendationsaregivenfordesigngasketjoints:
Toobtainthemostuniformpulldown,tightenflangeboltsinacrossstarpatternor,ifthecostis
justified,tightenseveralboltssimultaneously.
Usethemostaccuratemethodoftighteningavailable.
Usethehighestdesignaimpreloadpossiblewithoutdamagingthegasketorjointmember.
Ifdesigningpressurevesselsorpipeconnectionsfollowtherelevantdesigncodesofpracticessuch
asASMEVIIIdivision1andBS5500.
The nonlinear characteristics of gaskets can significantly influence the clamped parts compliance.
Subsection 7.6.5containsanexplanationofthecompliancecalculationsforjointswithgaskets.
911H

6.4.5 Metallic Creep


132B

Very high temperatures, which could cause relaxation due to a reduction of material strength, do not
normallyoccurinspaceapplications.However,differentialthermalexpansionmaydirectlygivepreload
loss and can also cause relaxation due to over stressing. Such thermoelastic effects are discussed in
Subsection 6.3.5.
912H

6.4.6 Washers
133B

Washers are used for a variety of reasons. Plain washers are used to spread the load into the clamped
parts,toallowtheuseofoversizedholes,topreventthefastenerheadornutdamagingthesurfaceofthe
clampedparts,ortogivecontrolledsurfaceconditionsattheunderheadorundernutinterfaces.Many
othertypesofspecialpurposewashersexistsuchasinsulatingwashersforthermalorelectricalreasons,

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conicalspringwasherstominimisetheeffectofembedding,thedimpledortwopiececrushablewashers
forpreloaddetection,thestraingaugedfacewasherforuseasaminiatureloadcell,shakeproofwashersto
preventrotarylooseningandtoothedshearwashersforslipprevention,etc.Itisimportanttoconsiderthe
complianceandrelaxationpropertiesoftheparticularwashertype.
The analysis of clamped parts compliance (Section 7.7) should take into account compliance of the
913H

washers.Generally,thewashercompliancecanbecalculatedassumingthatitbehaveslikeaflange.Ifthe
washerissoft,theanalysiscanbedoneusingthenonlineartheoryforgaskets(seeSubsection6.6.4).
Whenever washers are used, embedding (Subsection 6.4.2) is increased since there is at least one more
914H

intersticeregionwithcrushablesurfaceasperities.Forthisreason,itisrecommendedtousehardwashers
wheneverpossibletominimisetheembeddinglosses.

6.4.7 Torsional Relaxation


134B

Duringthetorquetighteningprocesstorsionalstressisdevelopedinthefastenerinadditiontotheaxial
stress,whichisnecessaryforthepreload.Thetorsionalstressissubjecttovaryingamountsofrelaxation,
and it is generally believed to be the first stress to be relieved by relaxation. In most instances it
disappearsimmediatelywhenthewrenchisremoved.Ithasbeenshownthattherelaxationoftorsional
stresscaninduceextratensilestress(seeReference 6.4).Thisselftighteningphenomenon,illustratedin
915H

Figure 611 is invariably masked by the greater axial embedding relaxation (see Reference 6.3). The
916H 917H

amount of torsional stress primarily depends on the magnitude of the thread friction torque and the
amount of relaxation. Whether relaxation is by head rotation or selftightening depends largely on the
underheadfrictionconditionscomparedwiththoseofthethreadfrictionconditions.

Figure611SelfTighteningbyTorsionalRelaxation

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6.5 Margin of Safety on Tightening


35B

When specifying the torque tightening method for fastening, the ability of the fastener to sustain the
torquingshouldbechecked.Thestressoccurringduringthetighteningprocessiscomposedbyatension
caused by the increasing preload and a shear stress caused by the application of the torque. These two
stressesarecombinedbytheshapedeformationenergyhypothesisaccordingtotheVonMisesequation,
v.m. V ,max 2 3 max 2 [6.5.1]

where V ,max isthemaximumaxialstressinthefastenerduetopreloading,and max isthemaximum


shearstressduetoremainingtorsioninthefastener.
ThetotaltorqueappliedtothefastenerduringtorqueapplicationMappisreactedbytwomoments;
themomentoffrictionforcesinthethread,and
themomentoffrictionforcesundertheboltheadornut
Due to equilibrium of moments, the maximum shear stress within the fasteners shank (or the adjacent
nonengaged thread) is related to the moments due to underhead friction and the externally applied
torqueby,
M app ,max M uh ,min
max [6.5.2]
Wp
wheretheminimumunderheadfrictionaltorqueisgivenby,
d uh
M uh,min ( FV ,max FT ) uh ,min [6.5.3]
2
andthepolarsectionmodulusis,
d03 [6.5.4]
Wp
16
Itshouldbenotedthattheprevailingtorquemakesasignificantcontributiontothetorsionalstressinthe
fastenershank.Equation [6.5.2]includesthiseffectviatheMapp,maxterm.Tominimisepreloadscatteritis
918H

recommendedtomeasure(andcompensatefor)theprevailingtorqueeachtimeafasteneristightened.
Aftertheshearstressinthefastenerexceedsitsyieldpointastateoftotalplasticdeformationisreached,
whereby the torsional stresses through the cross section are constant. To include this effect, the polar
sectionmodulusiscorrectedto,
d03 [6.5.5]
Wp
12
ForEquation[5.5.1]themaximumpretensionstressisgivenby,
FV ,max FT
V ,max [6.5.6]
A0
TheMarginsofSafetyontighteningare:
y
Yield: MoS ti , y 1 [6.5.7]
v. m.

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ult
Ultimate: MoS ti ,ult 1 [6.5.8]
v .m.
No factors of safety are used in Equations [6.5.7] and [6.5.8] since all uncertainty sources are already
919H 920H

includedinFV,max.
IftheMoSforyieldispositive,theMoSfortheultimateisalwayspositive.Therefore,theultimateMoSin
Equation [6.5.8] is not normally needed. One possible exception to this is yield controlled tightening
921H

methods(seeSection 12.2).
922H

6.6 Worked Example


36B

Noexampleexistsspecificallyforthetheoryofthissection.However,theexampleintheSection 7does 923H

involvepreloadcalculations.

6.7 References
37B

6.1
924H NASANSTS08307,July6, SpaceShuttleCriteriaforPreloadedBolts
1988
6.2
925H DIN4768:1990 Determination of values of surface roughness parameters RA, RZ,
RMAX using Electrical Contact (Stylus) Instruments Concepts and
MeasuringConditions.

6.3
926H J.H.Bickford An Introduction to the Design and Behaviour of Bolted Joints,
MarcelDekker,1981.

6.4
927H FISHER.J,STRUIK.J.H.A. GuidetoDesignCriteriaforBoltedandRivetedJoints,JohnWiley&
Sons,1974.

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7
Concentric Axially Loaded Joints
8B

7.1 Overview
38B

This section describes the recommended analysis procedure joints in which the threaded fastener/s are
subjectedtoapureaxialload.Theanalysismethodspresentedinthissectionareappropriateforjointsif
allthefollowingcriteriaaremet:
Theaxisoftheappliedloadspassesthroughthefasteneraxis(orfastenergroupcentroid)
Theflangesaresymmetricabouttheaxisoftheappliedload.
Theflangesarestiffenoughtonotdevelopapryingeffect(seeSubsection 8.1.2) 928H

Ifanyoftheabovecriteriaarenotmet,themoregeneralanalysismethodsforeccentricallyaxiallyloaded
jointspresentedinSection 8shouldbeapplied.
929H

7.2 Joint Stiffness


39B

Considerthejointillustratedin Figure71.Thiscomprisesafastener,nutandtwoflanges.Intheabsence
930H

of externally applied loads the fastener preload is equal and opposite to the clamping load (the
compressionforceactingbetweentheclampedparts).Duringservicethejointsdimensionswillvarydue
to the applied load and the preload. For a given combination of these loads, the joints instantaneous
length,Lj,isrelatedtoitsconstituentpartsaccordingto,
Lb , free Lb L j [7.2.1]
Lc , free Lc L j [7.2.2]

where; Lb and Lc are the extension of the fastener and the compression of the clamped parts
respectivelyundertheactionoftheappliedloads,andLb,free andLc,freearethefree(i.e.unloaded)lengthsof
thefastenerandclampedpartsrespectively.
For a preloaded joint the free length of the fastener is less than that of the flanges since the fastener
stretcheswhiletheflangescompress.
Combiningandrearranging [7.2.1]and [7.2.2]gives,
931H 932H

Lb , free Lc , free Lc Lb [7.2.3]

However,since Lb and Lc arefunctionsofthepreload,theuseofthisrelationshipneedsaniterative


solution.Therefore,itisusualtousetheapproximation,
Lb , free Lc , free [7.2.4]

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Lj

Figure71TypicalJointComponents

whichleadstoasimplerelationbetweentheelongationsofthefastenerandclampedparts,
Lc Lb [7.2.5]

7.3 The Joint Diagram


40B

7.3.1 Overview
135B

Thedeformationswithinajointcanbeshowninthejointdiagram. Figure72showstheelongationofthe
933H

fastener, Lb ,V ,duetothepreload,FV,and Figure73showsthecorrespondingdeflectionoftheclamped


934H

parts.

Lc ,V

Lb,V

Figure72FastenerStiffness Figure73ClampedPartsStiffness

Inthejointdiagramclassicalanalysisthestiffnessplotsforthetwocomponents(fastenerandflanges)are
combined by inverting Figure 73 (in the horizontal axis) and moving its origin such that the preload
935H

pointiscommontobothcurvesuntilthefinalpreloadFVisreached(Reference 7.2). 936H

Figure74(6.2.3a),b)&c))showthepreloadFVincreasingduringthetighteningprocess.
937H

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Figure 6.2.3a

Figure 6.2.3b

Figure 6.2.3c
Figure74GrowthoftheJointDiagramIllustratingtheTighteningProcess

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Applyinganexternalaxialload,FA,ontheoutersurfacesofthejointsflanges,asshownin Figure75,
938H

increasesthefastenerstensionandreducestheclampedpartscompressiveloading.Thisisreflectedby
the joint diagram in Figure 76 with the external force FA represented by a vertical line. The load
939H

incrementsexperiencedbythefastenerandclampedpartswhenthejointissubjectedtoFAaregivenby
Fb , A and Fc , A respectively.

F b , A

F b , A

F b , A

Figure75Applicationofexternalaxialload

Lb , A

Fb , A
Lb , A Lc , A
Fc , A
Fb

Lc , A

Figure76JointDiagramShowingtheEffectofanExternalAxialLoad

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Figure76 shows that ifFA isincreased beyond a certain point,FK =0. This corresponds to the point at
940H

whichtheclampedpartsarecompletelyrelievedoftheirpreloadandgappingattheinterfacebetweenthe
flangesoccurs,asillustratedin Figure77.
941H

Figure77ExternalLoadCausingGapping

7.3.2 Compressive Loading


136B

Iftheexternallyappliedaxialloadonapreloadedjointiscompressive,theresultingcompressionofthe
flangesandthereductioninbolttensioncanberepresentedonajointdiagramasshownin Figure78. 942H

All the equations that were derived for externally applied tensile loads are directly applicable for
compressiveloads,subjecttothecorrectuseofnegativesigns,(seeReference 7.3). 943H

Fc , A

Fb , A

FV


Figure78JointDiagramforCompressiveLoading

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7.4 41B The Force Ratio


The force ratio is defined as the ratio of external load to the induced load increment seen by the
fastener,andisgivenby,
Fb , A
[7.4.1]
FA
For certain joint configurations (such as joint type 2 in Figure 51) the external loads effective point of
944H

action is at the outer surface of the flanges. This is the situation that is shown in Figure 75. For such
945H

joints,theforceratiocanbeshowntodependontherelativestiffnesses(orcompliancees)ofthefastener
andtheclampedparts,
Fb , A Kb c
[7.4.2]
FA Kc Kb c b
where Kb & Kc are the respective stiffnesses of the fastener and clamped parts, and b & c are the
respectivecompliancesofthefastenerandclampedparts.
From Figure76itcanbeseenthat,
946H

FA Fb , A Fc , A [7.4.3]
therefore,usingEquation [7.4.2], 947H

FA FA Fc , A [7.4.4]
Rearranging,theloadreductionfeltbytheclampedpartsduetotheexternalloadFAisgivenby,
Fc , A (1 ) FA [7.4.5]
Equations [7.4.2], [7.4.3], [7.4.4]and [7.4.5]areonlyvalidforjointswherethepointofapplicationofthe
948H 949H 950H 951H

externalloadistheoutersurfaceoftheflanges.Ingeneral,theexternalloadiseffectivelyappliedatpoints
located within the flanges. Therefore, the loading plane factor, n, is introduced into equation [7.4.2] 952H

resultingin,
c [7.4.6]
n n n
c b
Methods are presented in the following Sections for calculating the various parameters in Equation
[7.4.6].
953H

7.5 42B The Compliance of the Fastener


Thefastenersloaddeflectionrelationshipisgivenby,

1
Fb K b Lb Lb [7.5.1]
b

where; Fb is the tensile load in the fastener shank, Kb is its stiffness, Lb is its elongation and b is its
compliance.

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Inthegeneralcaseofafastenerwithvaryingshankdiameters,suchas Figure79,thetotalelongationof
954H

thefasteneristhesumoftheelongationsofitsconstituentsegments(i.e.head,nut,andshank).Ingeneral,
thedifferentpartsofthefastenerhavedifferentlocalstiffnessproperties.Thusthetotalelongationcanbe
written,

Lb Li [7.5.2]

where Li aretheelongationsoftheconstituentsegments.

Lj

L1 L2 L3
Ln,sub

Lh,sub Leng,sub

Figure79DimensioningoftheFastenerforComplianceCalculations

ApplyingHookeslawtoeachsegment,
Li Fb
Li [7.5.3]
E b Ai
where;EbistheYoungsmodulusofthefastenermaterialandAiisthelocalcrosssectionofthesegment.
Combiningtheaboveequations,thecomplianceofthefasteneristhen,
1 Lb 1 Li
b
Kb

Fb

Eb
A [7.5.4]
i

Expanding [7.5.4] and introducing substitution lengths for deformations in the head, the fasteners
955H

engagedregionandthenutsengagedregiongives,
1 Lh , sub Leng , sub Lsha ,1 Lsha , 2 Lsha ,i L
b n , sub
[7.5.5]
Eb Anom A3 Asha ,1 Asha , 2 Asha ,i E n Anom
where;Lh,sub,Leng,subandLn,subarethesubstitutionlengthsfordeformationswithinthehead,engagedshank
and engaged nut or insert (see Table 71), Anom is the fasteners nominal crosssectional area, A3 is the
956H

fastenersminordiameterarea(see Figure55),Asha,iistheeffectivecrosssectionalareaattheithsegment
957H

ofthefastenersshankandLsha,iisthelengthoftheithsegmentofthefastenersshank.

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InmanycaseswhenusingEquation[7.5.5]onlyonesegmentoffastenersshankneedstobeconsidered.
However, if the fastener has varying shank diameters, the length and effective stiffness area of each
segmentshouldbeincluded.
Table 71 shows typical substitution lengths for standardised fasteners, which can be used in Equation
958H

[7.5.5]. The table only includes values for typical hexagon heads, cylindrical heads and nuts. The same
959H

analysismethodcanbeappliedtootherfastenerheadsandnuts,andtheappropriatesubstitutionlengths
shouldbedeterminedbyexperimentoranalysis.

Table71TypicalSubstitutionLengthsforCommonlyUsedFasteners

(data from Reference 7.3)


960H

Partof Parameter Fastener/Joint Typical


Fastener Configuration Substitution
Length
Head Lh,sub Hexagonhead 0.5d
Cylindricalhead 0.4d
Engagedshank Leng,sub NutTightened 0.4d
Threadedhole 0.33d
Lockingdevice Ln,sub Any 0.4d
(nutorinsert)

7.6 The Compliance of the Clamped Parts


43B

7.6.1 Overview
137B

Thecalculationofthecomplianceoftheclampedparts, c ,ismorecomplicatedthanthatofthefastener
due to the 3dimensional state of stress state in the joint that is induced by the preload. The method
presentedhere(basedonReference 7.3)neglectsthecomplianceoftheinterstices,andthereforeitismost
961H

accurateforjointswithasmallnumberofclampedparts.Ifneeded(e.g.whenmanyplatesareclamped
together), the compliance of the clamped parts can be determined by experiment or finite element
analysis.
Thecomplianceofthecampedpartsiscalculatedbytheintegral,
z Lc
1 dz

[7.6.1]
c
Ec z 0
A( z )
where; A(z) is the crosssectional area of the assumed compression zone within the clamped parts
(explainedinSubsections 7.6.2to 7.6.4),zisthedistancethroughtheclampedparts,Lcisthelengthofthe
962H 963H

clampedparts,andEcisthemodulusofelasticityoftheclampedparts.
Whenmultiplematerialsareusedintheclampedparts,themoregeneralformofEquation [7.6.1]should 964H

beused,

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z Lc
dz

[7.6.2]
c
z 0
E c ( z ) A( z )

7.6.2 Compression Zone Configurations


138B

7.6.2.1 Overview
269B

Theconfigurationofthecompressionzonedependsonthegeometryoftheclampedparts.Thefollowing
paragraphs explain the possible configurations. Equations for calculating the compliance of the various
configurationsaregiveninSubsection 7.6.4. 965H

7.6.2.2 Cylindrical Clamped Parts


270B

Figure 710 shows the three possible compression zones (hatched) for cylindrical clamped parts. For
966H

clarity, the figure assumes that the flanges are compressed between infinitely stiff washers with under
head bearing diameter Duh,brg. When the flanges are wider than the underhead bearing diameter, the
compression zone spreads out. For the theory presented here, it is assumed that the compression zone
spreads within a conical surface. In many cases the compliance of the washers is also significant. If so,
theyshouldalsobetreatedasclampedparts.

Duh,brg

Lc

Dlim
Davail Davail Davail

Figure710Compressionzonesincylindricalclampedparts

7.6.2.3 Fully Developed Compression Zone


271B

Theconfigurationontheleftof Figure710hasflangesthataresufficientlywidetoallowfullspreading
967H

ofthecompressionzonetothelimitingdiameter,Dlim.Inreality,theshapeofthe3dimensionalzoneof
compressioninanisotropicmaterialisaparaboloid.However,themethodapproximatesthecompression
zone as a pair of compression cones. The two cones are symmetric about the midpoint of the clamped
partslength,Lc,(whichdoesnotnecessarilycorrespondtotheintersticebetweentheflanges).

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7.6.2.4 Compression Sleeve
272B

Themiddleconfigurationof Figure710hasnarrowflangesthatfitentirelywithintheunderheadbearing
968H

diameter, i.e. Davail < Duh,brg. In this case, the compression zone is a sleeve (a uniform compression
cylinder).

7.6.2.5 Partially Developed Compression Zone


273B

The configuration to the right of Figure 710 has flanges of intermediate edge clearances so a partial
969H

length sleeve of diameter Davail approximates the compression zone, and two deformation cones are
formedaboveandbelowthesleeve.

7.6.2.6 General Case of Non-Cylindrical Clamped Parts


274B

In the general case with clamped partsthat are not axiallysymmetric about the fasteners axis multiple
edgedistancesarepresent(see Figure711).Forthistypeofjoint,theconfigurationofthedeformation
970H

zoneshouldbedeterminedbytheminimumedgedistanceaccordingto,
al,min=Davail,min/2. [7.6.3]
Equation [7.6.3] results in a value of clamped parts compliance that is higher than reality, which may
971H

introducesignificant(nonconservative)inaccuraciesintheMoS.Paragraph 7.6.2.9discussesthisissuein
972H

moredetail.

al,min

Davail,min

Figure711Thecompressionzonewhenmultipleedgedistancesarepresent

7.6.2.7 The Compression Zone in Threaded Hole Joints


275B

Unlikenuttightenedjoints,threadedholejointsdeveloponlyonecompressioncone.Thisconedevelops
fullyiftheflangehasanavailablediameterlargeenoughtoallowtheconetoextendtotheintersticeof
thethreadedholeflange(seeleftof Figure712). 973H

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Whenthecompressedflangehasinsufficientdiameter,thecompressionconestopsattheflangeedgeand
a compression sleeve forms between the base of the compression cone and the interstice of the insert
flange(seerightof Figure712).
974H

The threaded hole flange does not contribute to the clamped parts compliance, although it should be
includedinthecalculationofthefastenercomplianceaccordingto Table71.
975H

Dlim

Lc

Interstice of the insert flange

Figure712ApproximationoftheCompressionZoneforInsertJoints

7.6.2.8 Interfering Compression Zones


276B

Whenajointhasmultiplefasteners,theavailablediameterofthedeformationzonearoundeachfastener
isaffectedbytheinterferenceeffectwithitsneighbour/s(see Figure713).Theresultofthisinterferenceis
976H

adecreasedcompliance,relativetoasimilarjointwithoutoverlappingcompressionzones.Thisleadstoa
conservative estimate of the fasteners tensile loading, but a nonconservative estimate of the flange
compression(seeParagraph 7.6.2.9below).
977H

Whencalculatingmarginsofsafetythatdependonflangecompression(e.g.gapping,andslipping),itis
conservative to neglect the overlapping compression zones when calculating the compliance of the
clampedparts.

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Overlapping compression zone

Figure713Thecompressionzonewithmultipleinteractingfasteners

7.6.2.9 Influence of the Clamped Parts Compliance


277B

Sincethemethodspresentedinthissectionforcalculatingthecomplianceoftheclampedpartsaresubject
to some approximations, it is worthwhile examining the effects of overestimating and underestimating
thiscompliance.
Referring to Equation [7.4.6], overestimating the clamped parts compliance gives rise to an artificially
978H

high force ratio, . This leads to an overestimate of the force increment experienced by the fastener,
whichisthereforeconservativeforthecalculationoffastenertensilefailuremodessuchasfastenershank
failureorthreadpullout.However,italsoleadstoanunderestimateforforcetheincrementexperienced
by the clamped parts, which gives nonconservative for the flange performances related to separation,
sealing,frictiongrip,crushing,etc.
Intheoppositecaseoftheclampedpartscompliancebeingunderestimated,theforceratioisartificially
low.Thisleadstononconservativevaluesforthefastenerandthreadstrengths.
Accordingly,it is recommended that more detailedanalysis or testing is undertaken in cases where the
clampedpartscompliancemightbeacriticalfactorinthejustificationofthejointsdesign.

7.6.3 Determining the Compression Zone Configuration


139B

7.6.3.1 Overview
278B

The appropriate configuration of the compression zone should be determined for each fastener in the
joint. The following paragraphs present the equations necessary to determine which compression zone
configurationisapplicable.

7.6.3.2 Diameter of the Compression Zone


279B

First,theedgedistanceoftheflanges,al,isusedtocalculatetheavailablediameterforthecompression
zone,
Davail=2al [7.6.4]

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Then,thisiscomparedwiththelimitdiameterofthecompressionconeasgivenby,
D lim Duh ,brg w Lc tan [7.6.5]
where; Duh,brg is the fasteners underhead bearing diameter, Lc is the compression length, and is the
compressionconehalfangle(seeParagraph 7.6.3.3below),andw=1foranuttightenedjointandw=2for
979H

athreadedholejoint,.

7.6.3.3 The Compression Cone Half Angle


280B

The compression cones half angle, , depends strongly on the available area of the flanges. It is also
influenced by the fasteners underhead diameter, the hole diameter and the distribution of the
compressionload.Reference 7.3provesempiricallyderivedequationsforcalculating .
980H

Fornuttightenedjointstan( )isgivenby,
tan 0.362 0.032 ln x 2 0.153 ln( y ) [7.6.6]

andforinsertjointsitisgivenby,
tan 1.295 0.246 ln( x ) 0.94 ln( y ) [7.6.7]
wherethefollowingnondimensionalparametersareused,
Lc
x [7.6.8]
Duh ,brg
Davail
y [7.6.9]
Duh ,brg

7.6.3.4 Existence of a Cone and Sleeve


281B

Theexistenceofthesleeveisdeterminedasfollows:
If Davail > Dlim, the compression zone is fully developed into a cone (or pair of cones for nuttightened
joints)
IfDuh,brg>Davail,nocompressionconedevelopsandonlyasleevehastobeusedforcalculationpurposes

IfDuh,brg<Davail<Dlim,thatcompressionzoneisformedbyapartialcompressionsleeveandcompression
cone/s
Theabovecases,1to3,correspondtotheleft,middleandrightconfigurationsof Figure710.
981H

7.6.4 The Compression Zone Compliance


140B

The compliance of the clamped parts, c , for the case of fully developed compression cone/s (i.e. with
Davail>Dlim)isgivenby,
( Duh ,brg d )( Dlim d ) [7.6.10]
2 ln
( Duh ,brg d )( Dlim d )

c
w E c d tan( )
whereEcisthemodulusofelasticityoftheclampedparts.

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Forpartiallydevelopedcompressioncone/s(i.e.Duh,brg<Davail<Dlim),theclampedpartscomplianceis
givenby,
2 ( Duh ,brg d )( Davail d ) 4 Davail Duh ,brg [7.6.11]
ln L
w d tan( ) ( Duh ,brg d )( Davail d ) Davail 2 d 2 w tan( )
c

c
Ec
Equation [7.6.11]includestheeffectofboththecompressioncone/sandsleeves,andisappropriatewhen
982H

theclampedpartshavethesamemodulusofelasticity.
If the compliances of the cone and sleeve should be calculated separately (for example when multiple
materialsarepresentintheclampedparts),theclampedpartscomplianceshouldbecalculatedby,
2
c cone sleeve [7.6.12]
w
wheretheconescomplianceis,
( Duh ,brg d )( Duh ,brg 2 Lcone tan( ) d ) [7.6.13]
ln
( Duh ,brg d )( Duh ,brg 2 Lcone tan( ) d )
cone
E c d tan( )
andthesleevescomplianceis,
4 Lsleeve
sleeve [7.6.14]
E c ( Davail d 2 )
2

andthelengthsoftheconeandsleevearegivenby,
Davail d
Lcone [7.6.15]
2 tan( )
and,

2 Lcone [7.6.16]
Lsleeve Lc .
w
Forthecasewhereonlyacompressionsleeveexists(Duh,brg<Davail),Equation [7.6.16]isusedforthesleeve
983H

complianceandLsleeveisequaltothecombinedlengthoftheclampedparts,Lc.,andw=1foranuttightened
jointorw=2forathreadedholejoint.

7.6.5 Gasket Compliance


141B

Iftheclampedpartsincludeagasket,itispossibletoestimatethetotalcomplianceofallclampedparts
using,
c e g [7.6.17]

where e isthecomplianceoftheelasticclampedparts(flanges,washers,etc)and g isthecompliance


ofthegasket.
However,ingeneral,theloaddisplacementcharacteristicsofgasketsarenonlinear(asshownin Figure 984H

714) and the compliance of the gasket is much greater than that of the other clamped parts. Therefore,

81
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deformationofthegasketoftendominatestheelasticbehaviourofthejoint.Notonlydoes g varywith
theappliedload,butinadditionthegasketbehaviourisoftenpartiallyplastic(see Figure715),leading
985H

to a hysteresis effect. If the load is dynamic, the hysteresis can disappear over a period of time, and
thereforegasketjointsshouldbeanalyseddifferentlydependingonwhethertheyareintendedforstatic
ordynamicservice.

Figure714TypicalGasket Figure715GasketShowingHysteresis
Deflection

Thecoefficientofthermalexpansionofagasketmaybedifferentfromthatoftheotherclampedpartsor
thefastenerhencetemperaturechangescanaffectjointperformance.
Includinganelasticplasticnonlinearspringappliedinthejointdiagramresultsinajointnonlinearjoint
diagramsuchasshownin Figure716.Inthisfiguretheamountofcreepisindicatedbythedifference
986H

betweenthedottedandfulllines.

Figure716JointDiagramforaGasketJointShowingGasketCreep

Thedifficultiesinpredictinggasketcreepandspringrateshasledtoanempiricalapproach,whichuses
experimentallyderivedgasketfactors,yandmforeachtypeofgasketmaterial:

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Theyfactorgivestheinitialgasketstresswhichcanbeconvertedtoaminimuminterfaceclamping
load, FK,req, assuming uniform gasket loading. A typical value for a soft aluminium gasket is 60
N/mmandsiliconrubber3N/mm.
Themfactorisashapefactorexperimentallyderivedforeachgaskettype.Itistheratioofgasket
pressuretocontainedpressureforaneffectiveseal.Typicalvaluesforsoftaluminiumandsilicon
rubberare3.25and1.25respectively.
Subsection 6.4.5 contains some recommendations for designing joints in order to minimise unwanted
987H

complianceeffectsduetogaskets.

7.7 Calculation of the Loading Plane Factor


44B

7.7.1 Introduction
142B

7.7.1.1 Overview
282B

These equations in the section are only applicable for concentric axially loaded joints. Section 8.2.4
988H

providesanextensionofthismethodforthecaseofeccentricaxiallyloadedjoints.
For most joints, the effective loading planes are considered to be within the joint and separated be a
distanceof n L j ,asshownin Figure717.
989H

n Lc Fb
Lc

Fb Fc = FA + FK
Fc = Fb

Figure717TensionJointLoadingPlanesandtheForcesActingwithintheJoint

Between the loading planes the joints internal compressive stresses are relieved by the effect of the
externalload,FA.Outsidetheloadingplanestheclampedmaterialissubjectedtoextracompressioneffect
ofFAinadditiontotheclampingload,FK.

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The effect of the loading plane factor on the joint diagram is shown in Figure 718. As n reduces, the
990H

effectivefastenerstiffnessreducesandtheeffectivejointstiffnessincreases(seeReference 7.4).Hence,the
991H

closertheloadingplanes,thesmallerthefastenerloadincrementandthelargerthepreloadreliefinthe
clampedparts.

Fb , A

Fc , A

Fb , A n FA
Fc , A 1 n FA

Figure718JointDiagramforLoadingPlaneswithintheJoint(n<1)

7.7.1.2 Approximate Method


283B

The loading plane factor depends on the deformation of the joint caused by the preload. For uncritical
verification purposes with simple joint geometries the loading plane factor may be set to 0.5, which
assumesthattheloadingplanesareatthecentreofeachflange.

7.7.1.3 Experimental Method


284B

Amoreprecisevaluefortheloadingplanefactorcanbedeterminedfromtestingbyuseoftherelation,
j f l ,1 f l , 2
n [7.7.1]
c f uh ,1 f uh , 2

where; j istheeffectivecomplianceofthejoint(equaltotherelativedeflectionoftheloadingplanesfor
1N of externally applied axial load), f l ,1 and f l , 2 are the deflections of the points of action of the
externalload,andfuh,1andfuh,2arethedeflectionsoftheunderheadandundernutbearingsurfacesunder
thesameexternalload.
Equation [7.7.1]cannotbeappliedwithoutknowingoftheaxialdeflectionsoftheunderheadandunder
992H

nutbearingsurfacesandtheloadingplanesduetotheexternallyappliedaxialload.Thesedeflectionscan
bedeterminedbytestorFEMmodelling.

7.7.1.4 Geometric Analysis Method


285B

Thedeformationofthejointisdependsstronglyonitsgeometry.Foraconcentricaxiallyloadedjoint,the
determinationoftheloadingplanefactorisrelativelysimpleprovidedthereiscontinuousanduniform

84
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contact pressure between the flanges. In such cases, the loading plane factor depends only on the
followingparameters:
Duh,brg The underhead bearing diameter (or diameter of the washer if it is assumed to be
stiff)
d Theholediameter
a k Thedistancebetweentheedgeofthebearingsurfaceunderthefastenerheadandthe
pointloadintroductionoftheexternalforce
a r The shortest distance between the edge of the bearing surface and the edge of the
clampedparts
hk Thedistancebetweenthepointofloadintroductionandtheinterstice
Thesegeometricparametersaredefinedin Figure719.
993H

Duh,brg d ak
LA

h
hk

Figure719GeometryforDeterminationofLoadingPlaneFactor

Usingthegeometricanalysismethod,thejointisfirstextractedfromitsenvironmentbymakingacutata
position where the inner moment is zero (see Figure 720). In joints with multiple fasteners there are
994H

interferenceeffectsbetweenneighbouringfasteners,causingtheclampedpartstobestifferthanwouldbe
thecaseinasinglefastenerjoint.Thiseffectisduetothemutualobstructionoflateraldeformationsbythe
neighbouringfasteners.Thisproblemcanbesolvedbyusingthedistancebetweentheholeedgesoftwo
neighbouring holes as the region of the deformation cone for the calculation of the clamped parts
compliance, c .

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Complete joint FA
2

FA
2

Bending moment
distribution in flange

Isolated joint with a FA


single fastener

LA

FA

Figure720ExtractionoftheJointfromitsEnvironment

Afterextractingthejointfromitsenvironment,itbesplitintoabasicbodyandaconnectorbody.The
basic body determines the elastic properties of the joint, including the deformation cone. The connector
bodyisthepartofthejointwheretheexternalforcesareapplied.Thepointofexternalforceintroduction
intothebasicbodyKGisassumedtobeatthehorizontalmidplaneoftheconnectorbody.

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ak LA

LC

Figure721TheBasicandConnectorBodies

7.7.2 Simple Calculation of the Loading Plane Factor


143B

7.7.2.1 Overview
286B

ThisSubsectionpresentsasimplemethodfordeterminingtheloadingplanefactor.Themethodisbased
ona2dimenionalrepresentationofthejointanditmakesthefollowingassumptions:
Noexternalmomentsactonthefastener(butthemomentactingonthefastenerduetotheexternal
forceisconsidered)
Thejointsflangeshavenogapping
Allclampedpartsinthejointhavethesamemodulusofelasticity
Thejointbodyisofprismaticshape.
The product of the parameters concerning the 3dimensional nature of the joint can be
conservatively estimated by kas * kdh *kdw = 0.8 (see Section [7.7.3.3] for the analytical definition of
theseparameters).

7.7.2.2 Joint Types for the Simple Method


287B

Most commonly used joints can be approximated by a class of simplified joints shown in Figure 722
995H

accordingtothepointofforceintroductionintothejoint.Theintersticeshouldlieinsidetheshadedzone
of the corresponding diagram. This zone defines the region where evenly distributed compression is
assumed,andisassumedtohaveaconehalfangleof30.
Figure 722 shows only nuttightened joints, however the joint types 1, 2 and 4 are also applicable to
996H

threaded hole joints. In these cases the lower flange acts as the insert and the dimension Lc is only the
thicknessoftheupperflange.

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1 2 3 4 5 6


Figure722JointTypesAccordingtothePointsofForceIntroduction

7.7.2.3 288BInterpolation Table for the Simple Method


Theloadingplanefactorisreadfrom Table72.Forintermediateparametervalueslinearinterpolationis
997H

applicable.

Table72LoadingPlaneFactorsforSimplifiedMethod
JOINT TYPE (FROM FIGURE 7-22)
LA/LC ak/LC 1 2 3 4 5 6
0.0 0.0 0.70 0.57 0.44 0.42 0.3 0.15
0.1 0.55 0.46 0.37 0.34 0.25 0.14
0.3 0.30 0.30 0.26 0.25 0.22 0.14
0.5 0.13 0.13 0.12 0.12 0.10 0.07
0.1 0.0 0.52 0.44 0.35 0.33 0.24 0.13
0.1 0.41 0.36 0.30 0.27 0.21 0.12
0.3 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.16 0.15 0.10
0.5 0.10 0.10 0.09 0.08 0.07 0.06
0.2 0.0 0.34 0.30 0.26 0.23 0.19 0.11
0.1 0.28 0.25 0.23 0.19 0.17 0.11
0.3 0.16 0.16 0.15 0.12 0.12 0.09
0.5 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.06
0.3 0.0 0.16 0.16 0.16 0.14 0.14 0.10
0.1 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.13 0.13 0.10
0.3 0.12 0.12 0.12 0.10 0.10 0.08
0.5 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03

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7.7.3 Analytical Calculation of the Loading Plane Factor
144B

7.7.3.1 Overview
289B

The loading plane factor can be determined analytically by the method presented in this subsection,
althoughitisnormallyconsideredtoocomplexforhandcalculations.Thus,itisexpectedthatthemethod
presentedhereismainlyusedincomputerprograms(orspreadsheets,etc.)forfasteneranalysis.
Itisassumedthatheightoftheconnectorbodyisrelativelysmallcomparedtothethicknessoftheflanges
and thus, the load introduction can be represented by a point force. Also, it is assume that the joint
consistsoftwoflanges(suchasshownin Figure723),eachofwhichcanbetreatedseparately.
998H

Undeformed basic body Deformed basic body

Connector body FV

FA

KG
h
hk LA

Figure723BasicandConnectorBodiesofaFlange

The (overall) loading plane factor of the joint is based on loading plane factors for the two flanges
accordingto,
upper lower
n nupper nlower [7.7.2]

j j
where; nupper and nlower are the loading plane factors for the upper and lower flanges respectively, and
uypper and lower arethecompliancesoftheupperandlowerflangesrespectively.

7.7.3.2 Loading Plane Factor for a Single Flange


290B

Theloadingplanefactorforasingleflangenflangeisgivenby,

L [7.7.3]
n flange nG n M A (onlyvalidforLA/h 1/3)
h
where nG and nM are the general loading plane and moment conduction factors respectively, which are
giveninthefollowingsubsections.

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7.7.3.3 The Moment Conduction Factor
291B

The moment conduction factor, nM, accounts for the influence of the position of the connector body
relativetothecompressionconeandtheparameterLA,andiscalculatedby,
*
n [7.7.4]
nG nG 2 D*
*

nM n2 D
0.1
where;
nG istheloadingplanefactorofthebasicbody(seebelow),

nG* is the loading plane factor of the basic body whose parameter ak/h is
reducedby0.1,and;

*
n2 D istheratioofthe2Dloadingplanefactors,wheren2D*iscalculatedwith
* aratioak/hthatisreducedby0.1,andhk/hismovedintotheregionof
n2 D evenlydistributedcompression(forthecalculationofbothfactors)

Figure724showstheprincipaltrendsofnMovertheheightofaflange.
999H

Equations [7.7.3]and [7.7.4]showthattheloadingplanefactorisreducediftheconnectorbodyliesin


1000H 1001H

thespreadingzoneofthecompressioncone.Insomecasesthisleadstonegativevaluesforn,whichcan
beinterpretedasaonesidedgappingofthejointduetothebendingeffectoftheappliedload.

hk
h

KG,a

Compression KG,b
cone

Compression KG,c
sleeve

nM,c nM,b nM,a


Moment conduction factor (nM)

Figure724MomentConductionFactorVariationwiththeConnectorBodyPosition

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7.7.3.4 The General Loading Plane Factor
292B

Thegeneralloadingplanefactorofthejointiscalculatedby,
nG n2 D k ar k dh k dw [7.7.5]
whereandn2Distheloadingplanefactorofanequivalenttwodimensionaljointcalculatedby,
ak a k hk
2
[7.7.6]
n2 D 0.71 0.29 1.41
h h h
ak a k hk
2 2

1.31 5.89 4.96


h h h
ak a k hk
2 3

1.04 3.06 1.88


h h h
wherethegeometricvariablesak,h,andhkaredefinedin Figure719,andthefactorskar,kdh&kdwaccount
1002H

fortheinfluenceofthe3Dspatialextensionofthejointandaregivenby,
2
a a [7.7.7]
k ar 1 1.74 r 1.24 r
h h
d
k dh 1 0.25 [7.7.8]
D
uh ,brg
k dw 1 [7.7.9]
Equations [7.7.5]to [7.7.8]arevalidintheranges,
1003H 1004H

h a a
2
0 k 1 [7.7.10]
0 r k 0 .7
[7.7.11]
h h h
d [7.7.12] d [7.7.13]
0.2 uh ,brg 0.6 0.6 0.8
h D
uh ,brg

7.8 Joint Separation


45B

7.8.1 Introduction
145B

Underanexternallyappliedtensileloaditisgenerallyrequiredthatnogappingoccursatanyinterstice
betweenclampedpartsinajoint(i.e.theclampingforcedoesnotreachzero).Manyjointshaveadditional
requirementsforapositiveclampingforceforsealingandotheroperationalfunctions.Thus,thefailure
modeofjointseparationisdefinedtooccurwhentheclampingforceisreducedtoitscriticallevel,FK,req
(whichisgreaterthanorequaltozero).
Thejointdiagramatthecriticalconditionforseparationfailureisdepictedin Figure725.Itcanbeseen
1005H

that,undertheactionofFA,thecompressionintheclampedpartsisreducedfromtheinitialpreloadof

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FV,mintotheminimumspecifiedlevelofFK,req.AnyincreaseinFAwouldresultininsufficientcompression
intheclampedparts,therebyconstitutingfailurebyseparation.

Fb , A

Fc , A
FV,min

FK,req

Figure725JointDiagramatOnsetofSeparationFailure

7.8.2 The Margin of Safety for Joint Separation


146B

The MoS for joint separation is not intended to cover the case of slipping of a friction grip joint. The
appropriateMoSforslippingisdefinedinSubsection 9.2.1. 1006H

TheMarginofSafetyforjointseparationisgivenby,
FV ,min FK ,req
MoS sep [7.8.1]
(1 ) FA sf sep
wheresfsepisthesafetyfactordefinedforseparationasdefinedin Table54,
1007H

andistheforceratiodefinedinequation [7.4.1]
1008H

7.9 Fastener Tensile Failure


46B

7.9.1 External Vs Overall Load


147B

The calculations of the MoS for axial loads depend on how the joint transmits externally applied shear
loads.Twomodesofshearloadtransferareincludedintheseguidelines,FrictionGripandBearing(see
Section 9).
1009H

Thefailurecriterionforoverallloadinthefastenershouldbecheckedforbothtypesofjoint.Theoverall
load,Ftot,isthesumofthemaximumpreloadandthepartoftheexternallyappliedaxialloadthatisseen
bythefastener,i.e.,

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Ftot=FVmax+ Fb , A [7.9.1]

Failure criteria for external load are only relevant when there is gapping (i.e. zero clamping force
betweentheflanges),whichleadstothefastenertransmittingthefullexternalaxialload(i.e.Fb=FA).
Frictiongripjointsgenerallydonotnormallyneedassessmentofthiscriterionsincetheyareintendedto
transmitshearforcesincaseofminimumcompressionforcesandthereforetheyaremorecriticalinthe
slippingfailuremode.
Table73showswhichaxialstrengthcriteriashouldbecheckedforeachtypeofjoint.
1010H

Table73CriteriaforAxialLoadAnalysis
FastenerLoading Case JointType Checktobe
performed
Overallload(Ftot) NoGapping FrictionGrip Yes
Bearing Yes
Externalload(FA) Gapping FrictionGrip No
Bearing Yes

ThefollowingsubsectionpresentstheequationsfortherelevantMoS.

7.9.2 Margin of Safety on Fastener Failure


148B

Themarginsofsafetyforexternalloadcriteriaareallbasedonthefastenermaterialsyieldstrength, y ,
andultimatestrength, ult .

Themarginsofsafetyfortheoverallload,Ftot,are,

AS y [7.9.2]
MoS tot , y 1 (for yield
FV ,max n FA sf y
failure)

AS ult [7.9.3]
MoS tot ,ult 1 (for
FV ,max n FA sf ult
ultimatefailure)
andforaretheexternalload,FA,

AS y [7.9.4]
MoS A, y 1 (foryieldfailure)
FA sf y

AS ult [7.9.5]
MoS A,ult 1 (forultimatefailure)
FA sf ult

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Equations [7.9.2]and [7.9.3]expresstheforceincrementseenbythefastenerintermsoftheexternalaxial
1011H 1012H

load, and include the appropriate loading plane factor and safety factors. The safety factors are only
appliedtotheexternalaxialload,FA,sincetheuncertaintyinpreloadisalreadyfactoredintoFV,max.

7.10 Thread Failure by Shear Pull-Out


47B

7.10.1 Introduction
149B

Toguaranteethepullout(striping)strengthcapacityofthethreadacertainlengthoftheengagedthread,
Leng,isnecessary.Innuttightenedjointsthefulllengthofthefemalethreadisnormallyengaged,i.e.Leng=
Ln.Formanufacturingreasons,threadedholejointsoftenonlyhaveengagedthreadforonlyaportionof
theholeslength.
Fastenersystemswithnormednutsarecompletelybearingcapablewhenthestrengthclassofthenutis
atleastashighthestrengthclassofthefastener.
Itisrecommendedtousenutswithlowerstiffnessthanthefastenerinordertogivemoreuniformload
transferthroughthethreadedinterface.Ifcalculationsindicatethatthefemalethreadistooweak,theuse
of a thread insert of higher strength (e.g. a helicoil) should be considered. The calculation methods
presentedinthissectionareapplicabletoanythreadsystem,includinghelicoils.

7.10.2 Failure of the Female Thread


150B

Thecriticalfastenerloadforfailureofthefemalethreadisgivenby,
Fult ,th ,n ult ,n Ath ,n c1 c 2 [7.10.1]

where; ult ,n istheultimatetensileshearstrengthofthematerialformingthefemalethread,Ath,nisthe


surface area around the female thread that is assumed to fail during thread pullout, and c1 & c2 are
empiricalcoefficientsaccountingforthedepthofsupportingmaterialbehindthefemalethreadandthe
strengthratioofthetwothreads(seebelow).
Thefemalethreadsfailuresurfaceareaiscalculatedby,
Leng ,eff p
Ath ,n d d D2 tan( ) [7.10.2]
p 2
wherepisthethreadpitch,andD2isthepitchdiameterofthefemalethread, isthehalfangleofthe
threadgroove,andLeng,effistheeffectivelengthofengagedthreadgivenby,
Leng,eff=Leng0.8p [7.10.3]
whichaccountsforthebeginningportionoftheengagedthread,whichdoesnottransmitanysignificant
load.
Thecoefficientc1iseither1.0forathreadedhole,orcalculatedbythefollowingequationforathreaded
nut:
2
s s [7.10.4]
c1 3.8 w w 2.61
d d

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whereswisthewrenchsizeasindicatedin Figure56. 1013H

sw
Equation [7.10.4]isonlyvalidformetricthreadswith 1.4 1.9 .
D
1014H

Thecoefficientc2isgivenby,
c 2 0.897 forRS 1.0,or [7.10.5]

c 2 0.728 1.769 RS 2.896 RS 1.296 RS for0.4<RS<1


2 3 [7.10.6]

where;RSistheshearstrengthratioofthefemaleandmalethreadsaccordingto;
ult ,n Ath,n
RS [7.10.7]
ult ,b Ath,b
where; ult ,b istheultimatetensileshearstrengthofthematerialformingthemalethreadandAth,bisthe
failuresurfaceareaofthefemalethreadcalculatedby,
Leng ,eff p
Ath ,b D1 d 2 D1 tan( ) [7.10.8]
p 2
whereD1istheminordiameterofthefemalethreadandd2isthepitchdiameterofthemalethread(see
Section 5.4).
1015H

Iftheboththreadsaresteel,Equation [7.10.7]canbereplacedwith;
1016H

ult ,n Ath ,n
RS [7.10.9]
ult ,b Ath ,b
where; ult ,n and ult ,b are the ultimate tensile strengths of the female and male thread materials
respectively. If these are not known, they can be approximated from the tensile strength or Brinell
Hardness(HB)accordingtotheratiosdefinedin Table74. 1017H

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Table74ShearStrengthRatiosforDifferentMaterial
Materialtype Shearstrengthratio
uts / ult ult /HB
Temperedsteel 0.60.65 2
Austeniticsteel Normal 0.8 3
F60/90 0.650.75 2.02.5

Greycastiron GG (GJL) 1.4 1.5

GGG(GJS) 0.9 2.0

Aluminiumalloy 0.7 1.5
Titaniumalloy 0.6 2

Usingequations [7.10.2]and [7.10.3]thenecessarylengthofengagedthreadcanbeexpressedas,


1018H 1019H

Fth p
l eng ,req 0.8 p [7.10.10]
p
c1 c 2 ult ,n d (d d 2 ) tan( )
2
whereFthistheaxialloadtransmittedbythethread.

7.10.3 Failure of the Male Thread


151B

Normallythefastenersmaterialstrengthishigherorequaltothatofthenut,sowhennormednutswith
equalorlowermaterialstrengthtothefastenerareused,thereisnoneedtocalculatefailureofthemale
thread.
If the fasteners material is weaker than the nut or insert, the analysis is the same except for Equation
[7.10.1]inwhichthevariables, ult,n andAth,n,arereplacedby ult,b andAth,brespectively.
1020H

Thus,thestrengthofthemalethreadiscalculatedby,
Fult ,th ,b ult ,b Ath ,b c1 c 2 [7.10.11]

where ult ,b is the ultimate shear strength of the fastener material, Ath,b is the failure area of the male
thread as calculated by Equation [7.7.10], and the coefficients c1 and c2 are calculated as for the female
1021H

thread.

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7.10.4 Margin of Safety on Thread Pull-Out
152B

Themarginofsafetyonshearpulloutofthethreadundertheexternalloadiscalculatedby,
Fth ,crit
MoS th , A 1 [7.10.12]
FA sf ult
andfortheoverallload,
Fth ,crit
MoS th ,tot 1 [7.10.13]
FV ,max FA sf ult
whereFth,critisthecriticalthreadfailureload(lowerofthemaleandfemalethreadstrengths).
NoMoScalculationsarenecessaryforyieldfailureofthethread.

7.11 Crushing of Flanges


48B

Themarginsofsafetyonflangecrushingarecalculatedwiththefollowingequations,

br , y [7.11.1]
MoS crush, y 1 (foryield)
uh,max sf y
br ,ult [7.11.2]
MoS crush ,ult 1 (foryield)
uh ,max sf ult
where uh ,max isthemaximumcompressivestressthatoccursundertheheadornutforeithertheFtotor
FA(referto Table73forapplicablefastenerloadcriteria).
1022H

7.12 Repeated Loading to a Point above Yield


49B

PointEof Figure726representsajointtightenedtoapreloadFV,1,whichinducesstressesinthefastener
1023H

thatarebelowitsyieldstress.Atthefirstapplicationoftheexternalload,FA,thefastenerfeelsanextra
load Fb , A,1 ,whichtakesitshigheststressedregionbeyonditsyieldstrength(alongthepathEFG.).This
causespermanentdeformationofthefastener Lb andlocalworkhardeningofthedeformedmaterial.If
the applied external load is then removed, the fasteners preload will reduce from point E to a lower
value, point H. If FA is reapplied, the fastener load needs to exceed point G before that work hardened
partofthefastenercanyieldagain.However,therewillbeanadjacentpartofthefastenerthatyieldsata
lowerload(asithasnotworkhardened)allowingfurtherpermanentdeformationtotakeplace.

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Force

Fb , A,1 F
b , A, 2

Fy

L
Lb

Figure726JointDiagramShowingRepeatedLoadingintothePlasticRegion

The result of continued loading as shown in Figure 726 is a nonlinear preload reduction with each
1024H

subsequentloadapplicationasshownin Figure727(seeReference 7.3).Thisisnotadesirablesituation,


1025H 1026H

andtherefore,innormalcircumstancesloadingabovethefasteneryieldshouldbeavoided.

Figure727PreloadLosswithRepeatedLoadingintoYield

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7.13 Dynamic Loading


50B

A simple example showing the effects of dynamic loading is given in Figure 728. Here, an alternating
1027H

externalaxialloadvaryingfromzerotoFAisappliedtoajoint.Thefastenerexperiencesadynamicload
withamplitudeof Fb , A /2.

Fb , A

Fc , A

Figure728JointDiagramShowingaDynamicExternalLoad

Thedynamicstressamplitudeinthefastenerduetotheexternalload b , A isgivenby,
Fb , A
b , A [7.13.1]
2 AS
whereASisthefastenerstressarea(seeSection 5.4).
1028H

Figure729isatypicalSNcurvethatrelatestheappliedstressinacomponenttoitsnumberofcyclesto
1029H

failure. As b , A reduces, the number of cycles to failure increases, until the stress is below a certain
threshold b , ,afterwhichthefasteneristermedfatigueresistant.

InSection 7.4itwasshownthat Fb , A isreducedbydecreasingthefastenersstiffnessrelativetothatof


1030H

the clamped parts. Hence, to improve fatigue resistance, it is recommended to use reduced shank
fasteners.

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b, A

Figure729TypicalSNCurve(ForaGivenMeanStress)

7.14 Worked Examples


51B

7.14.1 Preload in a Concentric Axially Loaded Joint


153B

7.14.1.1 Overview
293B

Thegeometryofthisexampleproblemisshownin Figure730.
1031H

Figure730Exampleproblemofconcentricaxiallyloadedjoint

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7.14.1.2 Initial Data
294B

ThefastenertobeusedforthisjointisaLN29949M6x14withananchornutLN29693.Thisfastenerhas
thefollowingmaterialproperties:

Table75:PreloadinaConcentricAxiallyLoadedJoint,fastenermaterialproperties
Material A286steel
Yieldallowable 950MPa
Ultimateallowable 1100MPa
Shearyieldallowable 548MPa
Shearultimateallowable 655MPa
Youngsmodulus(Eb) 201GPa
Thermalexpansioncoefficient( b ) 1.68e5K1

Thefollowingthreadparameterscanbecalculatedusingthestandardrelationsformetricthreads:

Table76:PreloadinaConcentricAxiallyLoadedJoint,Threadparameters
Threadpitch(p) 1mm(standard)
Fastenernominaldiameter(d) 6mm(M6fastener)
Pitchdiameter(d2) 5.35048mm
Minordiameter(d3) 4.77313mm
Stressdiameter(dS) 5.062mm
Crosssectionareaatminordiameter(A3) 17.894mm2
Stressarea(AS) 20.12mm2

The upper flangeis2mm thick withan edgedistance of16mm. The lower flangeis3mm thick withan
edgedistanceof12mm.Thediameteroftheholesthroughtheflangesis6.5mm.
Theflangeshavethefollowingmaterialproperties:

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Table77:PreloadinaConcentricAxiallyLoadedJoint,flangematerialproperties
Material Al7075T7351
Youngsmodulus(Ec) 71GPa
Thermalexpansioncoefficient( c ) 2.2e5K1

Shearultimateallowable 262MPa
br , y , 2.0 613MPa

br ,ult , 2.0 882MPa

br , y ,1.5 524MPa

br ,ult ,1.5 689MPa

Thejointisassembledatareferencetemperatureof21C.Themaximumoperatingtemperatureis50C
andtheminimumoperatingtemperatureis4C.
Thejointissubjectedtoanexternalaxialloadof1000N.
The strength of this structure will be verified only by analysis. Thus, the safety factors for yield and
ultimateloadsshouldbereadfrom Table54.Thesevaluesarethenmultipliedbythejointfittingfactor
1032H

of1.15.Thus,thesafetyfactorstobeappliedtothedesignjustificationare:
sfy =1.25x1.15=1.4375
sfult =2x1.15=2.3

7.14.1.3 Calculation of the Nominal Preload


295B

For the preload ratio, the default value of 0.65 is chosen. With this starting point the preload stress is
calculated,

V 0.65 y =617.5MPa
Withthis,thenominalpreloadcanbecalculated,
FV V AS 617.5e 6 20.12e 6 =12,424N

7.14.1.4 Calculation of the Force Ratio


296B

Firstthecomplianceofthefastenerhastobedetermined(seeSection 7.5).Thejointisnuttightenedand
1033H

has a cylindrical fastener head. Therefore the appropriate substitution lengths from Table 71 are as
1034H

follows:
Lh,sub=0.4d
Leng,sub=0.4d
Ln,sub=0.4d
Usingthesesubstitutionlengthsthefastenerscompliancecanbecalculatedusingequation[7.5.5],

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1 Lh , sub Leng , sub Ln , sub L


b i
Eb Anom A3 Anom Ai
wherethemodulusofelasticityofthenutisequaltothatofthefastener.
Itisassumedthattheentireshanklengthisthreaded,whichleadsto,
Li 5
A
17.89
[mm1]
i

Therefore,thefastenercomplianceisevaluatedas,
1 0.4 6 0.4 6 0.4 6 5
b
201000 28.27 17.89 28.27 17.89
=2.902e6mm/N

Now,thecomplianceoftheclampedpartsiscalculated.Theavailablediameterforcompressionconeis
determinedfromtheminimumedgedistance,
Davail=24mm(minimaledgedistanceof12mmoccursinupperflange)
Thelengthofthecompressionzoneisthefulllengththroughtheclampedparts,
Lc=5mm
Theunderheadbearingdiameterisequalthediameterofthefastenerhead
Duh,brg=10mm
Thenondimensionalcompressionconeparametersxandyareevaluatedas,
Lc 5
x 0.5
Duh ,brg 10
Davail 24
y 2.4
Duh ,brg 10
Thus,tanofthecompressionconehalfangleiscalculatedfromEquation [7.6.6],
1035H

tan( ) 0.362 0.032 ln( x / 2) 0.153 ln( y )



0.362 0.032 ln(0.5 / 2) 0.153 ln(2.4)
0.4516
ThecriteriainParagraph 7.6.3.4areusedtodeterminethatthecompressionconeisfullydevelopedsince
1036H

Davail>Dlim.Therefore,Equation [7.6.10]isusedtocalculatethecomplianceoftheclampedparts,
1037H

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Duh ,brg d Dlim d


2 ln
c Duh ,brg d Dlim d
w E c d tan( )

10 612.258 6
2 ln
10 6 12.258 6

1 71e 3 6 0.4516

2 ln(1.3710)
604384

1.044e 6

The(basic)forceratioisnowcalculatedusingEquation [7.4.2], 1038H

c 1.044e 6
=0.265
c b 1.044e 6 2.902e 6
The geometry of the joint is simple, so the loading plane factor, n, can be assumed 0.5 with adequate
accuracy.Thus,theforceratioofthejointwithloadingplaneadjustmentisgivenby,
n n 0.5 0.26 0.132

7.14.1.5 Calculation of the preload loss due to embedding


297B

The preload loss due to embedding is assumed to be 5% of the maximum preload. Therefore,
FZ 0.05 12426 =621N.

7.14.1.6 Calculation of the thermal induced loads


298B

ThiscalculationisperformedwithEquations [6.3.22]and [6.3.23],


1039H 1040H

FT c b Tmax Eb Asm 1
2.20e 5
1.68e 5
50 21 201e 9
21.287e 6 (1 0.26)
474.5 N
FT c b Tmin Eb Asm 1
2.20e 5
1.68e 5
4 21 201e 9
21.287e 6 (1 0.26)
278.2 N

7.14.1.7 Calculation of the maximum and minimum preload


299B

ThefollowingvaluesoftheunderheadandthreadfrictioncoefficientsarereadfromAppendixBforthe
specificfastenerandnutcombination:

104
ECSSEHB3223A
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uh ,max =0.296 uh ,min =0.179


th ,max =0.176 th ,min =0.086
Thefollowingmaximumandminimumprevailingtorquesarereadfrom Table62: 1041H

Mp,max=2.0Nm Mp,min=0.4Nm
TheeffectivediameteroftheapplicationoftheunderheadtorqueisdeterminedusingEquation[4.4.5],
d uh 0.5 Dh D 0.5 10 6.5 =8.25mm
ThetanofthethreadhelixangleisdeterminedusingtherelationinEquation [6.3.9], 1042H

p 1
tan 0.0595
d 2 5.35048
Thethreadtoothangleis60therefore,

cos =cos30=0.8660
2
Nowatrialvalueofthemaximumappliedtorqueissetto13.65Nm.Assumingatorquewrenchscatterof
5%,thisleadstoamaximumappliedtorqueof14.3Nmandaminimumappliedtorqueof13.0Nm.The
appliedtoqueisspecifiedaspartofthemanufacturingprocesssoitshouldberoundedtoanaccuracyof
0.1Nm.
Now the maximum and minimum inservice preloads are calculated using Equations [6.3.14] and 1043H

[6.3.15],
M M p , min
1044H

FT
app , max


1 th ,min 1
FV , max d 2 tan d
2 2 uh uh ,min
cos
2

14.3 0.4 474 .5


1 5.350 0.086 1 8.25
0.0595 0.176
2 1000 0.8660 2 1000

13.9 1000
474 .5 12553 N
0.4248 0.726

105
ECSSEHB3223A
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M M p ,max
FT FZ
app , min


1 1
FV ,min d 2 tan
th , max
d
2 2 uh uh ,max
cos
2

13.0 2.0 278.2 621


1 5.350 0.176 1 8.25
0.0595 0.296
2 1000 0.8660 2 1000

11.0 1000
278.2 621 4819 N
0.7028 1.221
Finally,themarginofsafetyonthetighteningprocessshouldbedetermined.Theloadinthefasteneris
composedofatensilestressduetothepreloadandatorsionalstressduetotheappliedtorque.Firstthe
torsionalstressiscalculated.
The polar section modulus is calculated with equation [6.5.5], which considers the case of total plastic
deformation(ultimate),
d0 5.062
Wp =33.95mm3
12 12
TheminimummomentabsorbedbyfrictionunderthefastenerheadisdeterminedwithEquation[5.6.3],

M uh ,min
d uh
FV ,max FT uh,min 8.25 12424 474.5 0.179 =8.823Nm
2 2
ThemaximumshearstressduetotorsionisthencalculatedwithEquation [6.5.2], 1045H

M app ,max M uh ,min 14.3 8.8


max =162.0MPa
Wp 33.95 1e 9
ThemaximumtensilestressiscalculatedwithEquation [6.5.6], 1046H

FV ,max FT 12424 474.5


V ,max =593.9MPa
A0 20.12 1e 6
NowthevonMisesequivalentstresscanbecalculatedusingEquation [6.5.1], 1047H

v.m. V ,max 2 3 max 2 593.9 2 3 162.0 2 =656.3MPa

TheultimatemarginofsafetyontighteningisthencalculatedwithEquation [6.5.8], 1048H

ult 110
MoS ti ,ult 1 1 =0.676
v .m. 656.3
Thenextstepintheanalysisprocessshouldbetochecktheshearpulloutofthread.Becausethenutis
madeofthesamematerialthanthefastener(thenutislikethefastenermadeofA286steel.),theshear
pulloutofthreadshouldnotbecritical.Nevertheless,thefollowingexampleshowsacalculationofthe
nutspulloutstrength.

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7.14.2 Thread Shear Pull-Out Example
154B

The thread of joints that use normed nuts of the same material grade as the fastener (or higher) will
alwaysbeatleastasstrongasthefasteneritself.However,anexampleofthreadpulloutforsuchajoint
isdocumentedheretoshowtheanalysisprocess.
First,theeffectivelengthoftheengagedthreadiscalculatedwithEquation [7.10.3].Theeffectiveengaged
1049H

threadlengthleffoftheLN29693anchornutis5mm(althoughthefastenershouldprotrudebeyondthe
lengthofthenut).
Leng ,eff Leng 0.8 p 5 0.8 1 =4.2mm
Now,thefailuresurfaceareasofthethreadsarecalculatedwithEquations [7.10.2]and [7.10.8].Thepitch
1050H 1051H

diameterofthefemalethread,D2,isequaltothatofthefastener,d2.
Leng ,eff p
Ath ,n d d D2 tan
p 2

4.2 1
6 6 5.35 tan 30
1 2

69.29 mm 2

Leng ,eff p
Ath ,b D1 d 2 D1 tan
p 2

4.2 1
4.92 5.35 4.92 tan 30
1 2

48.57 mm 2
ThefemaletomalethreadstrengthratioiscalculatedwithEquation [7.10.7], 1052H

ult ,n Ath ,n 69.29


RS 1 1.427
ult ,b Ath ,b 48.57
Now,theempiricalcoefficientsc1andc2arecalculatedusingEquations [7.10.4]to [7.10.6].Thejointuses
1053H 1054H

an anchor nut, and therefore the wrench size, sw, is not defined. Therefore, in order to evaluate the
constantc1,theouterdiameteroftheanchornutshouldbeused,whichis7.5mm.
2 2
s s 7.5 7.5
c1 3.8 w w 2.61 3.8 2.61 0.578
d d 6 6
RS 1 c 2 0.897
Now the critical axial forces for shear pullout of the male (fastener) and female (nut) threads are
determinedwithEquations [7.10.1], 1055H

Fult ,th ,n ult ,n Ath ,n c1 c 2 655 69.29 0.578 0.897 23.5 kN

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Thatgivesallnecessaryinputforthecalculationofthemarginsofsafetyforthreadfailureunderexternal
andoverallaxialloadswithEquations [7.10.12]and [7.10.13],
1056H 1057H

Fth ,crit 23500


MoS th , A 1 1 9.21
FA sf ult 1000 2.3
Fth ,crit 23500
MoS th ,tot 1 1 0.83
FV ,max FA sf ult 12553 0.132 1000 2.3

7.15 References52B

7.1
1058H G.Meyer&D.Strelow SimpleDiagramsAidinAnalysingForcesinBoltedJoints,
AssemblyEngineering,Jan.1972,pp.2833

7.2
1059H VDIRICHTLINIEN VDI 2230, Oct. 2001, Systematic Calculations of High Duty Bolted
Joints

7.3
1060H S.D.Rossides Behaviour of a Simple Tension Joint with Fasteners Tightened into
Yield,BritishAerospaceReportBT.12065July1981

108
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8
Eccentric Axially Loaded Joints
9B

8.1 Effects of Eccentricity


53B

8.1.1 Overview
155B

Inthecaseofaneccentricallyfastenedjoint,suchasshownin Figure81,therearethreeimportantaxes:
1061H

thejointaxis(OO)
thefasteneraxis(SS)
theaxisoftheexternalaxialload(AA)
Therelativepositionsoftheseaxesaredefinedtwovariables;theclampingeccentricity,s,andtheloading
eccentricity,a(see Figure81).
1062H

Figure81ATypicalEccentricJoint

109
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Duringassemblythefastenerwillbepretensionedcausinganinterfaceclampingpressurewithapeakat
(ornear)thefasteneraxis(SS)asshownin Figure82.Thejointaxis(OO)isdefinedtolieatthecentroid
1063H

of the interface pressure distribution.For eccentrically clamped joints the jointaxis does not necessarily
coincidewiththefasteneraxis.

Figure82InterfacePressureDistributionafterPreloading

As the externaleccentric tensile load FA,1 isappliedthe reactionunder thefastener head the centroid of
interfacepressure(jointaxis)FKmovesawayasindicatedin Figure83and Figure84.Atthesametime
1064H 1065H

thecentroidoftheunderheadreaction, Fb , A,1 FV ,movestowardstheexternalload.

Fb , A,1 FV

Fb , A,1 FV

Figure83TypicalJointEccentricallyLoaded

110
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Figure84Redistributionofinterfacepressure(withforceFA1notsufficienttocause
gapping)

Figure 85 and Figure 86 show a typical interface pressure distribution caused by an eccentric load
1066H 1067H

sufficient to cause onesided opening of the joint. Such separation occursif the axialload FA,2 exceedsa
certainvalue,whichisdependentonthepreloadandtheeccentricities,sanda.Onesidedopeningofthe
jointinterfacecausessubstantialincreaseinthefastenerstress.ThisisdiscussedinSection 8.4(seealso
1068H

References 8.1and 8.2).


1069H 1070H

Fb , A, 2 FV

Fb , A, 2 FV

Figure85AnEccentricallyLoadedJointwithGapping

111
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Figure86RedistributionofInterfacePressure(ForceFA2CausesGapping)

Thejointindicatedintheabovefigureshasflangecontactsurfacesthatarerelativelywidecomparedto
the fastener diameter. Such joints are referred to as Joints With Large Areas of Contact, and the
complianceequationsareprovidedinSubsection 8.2.1. 1071H

Jointsthatemployagasket,sealorsealingringwhichisnarrowwithrespecttotheflangewidth,andwith
a flange that is stiff enough to prevent contact elsewhere on the interface surface, are referred to as
CantileveredFlangeJoints(seefigure7.3.2).Forsuchjointstheinterfacepressuredistributiondoesnot
significantlychangewithFAandthecomplianceequationsaregiveninSection 8.3. 1072H

8.1.2 Prying
156B

Injointswitheccentricloads,thefastenerloadincrementduetotheactionoftheexternalloadisgreater
than that of the equivalent concentric joint. This effect is often called prying or prising. Reference 8.3
1073H

providessomeanalyticalmethodsandexamplesofthiseffect.

8.2 Joints with Large Areas of Contact


54B

8.2.1 Compliance of the Clamped Parts


157B

8.2.1.1 Overview
300B

The equations for calculating the compliance of the clamped parts in the concentric loading case were
giveninSection 0.Theeccentriccaseismorecomplicatedsince,inadditiontolongitudinaldeformation,
1074H

the eccentricity of the externalload produces bending deformations in the flanges leading to additional
extension of the joint. Hence, the longitudinal compliance of the flanges in an eccentric joint is greater

112
ECSSEHB3223A
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thanthatofaconcentricallyloadedjoint.Also,forjointswithlargeareasofcontact,thedistributionofthe
clampingpressuredependsonthemagnitudeoftheexternalload(asdiscussedinSection 8.1),producing
1075H

furtherchangesincompliance.
Arelativelysimpleanalysis(modifiedfromReference 8.4)ofeccentricjointdeformationispossibleifthe
1076H

followingassumptionsaremade:
Theclampedpartsformaprismaticbendingsolid
Thereisnoonesidedgapping(i.e.theinterfacepressureisalwayspositive)
Allthecrosssectionsofthisprismaticsolidremainflatunderloading
Alinearstressdistributionisestablishedinthesecrosssections
The bending resistance of the fastener is much lower than that of the bending solid and may be
neglected
Thesesimplifyingassumptionslimitthejointsthatcanbeconsideredtothoseinwhichtheinterfacearea
loadedbyonefastener,Aj,isnotmuchgreater(3to5times)theunderheadarea.Seriouserrorsmayoccur
iflargerareasareassumed(seeReference 8.2).Additionally,thejointstransversewidth,C,andclamping
1077H

eccentricity,s,shouldsatisfythefollowingrelations:
C Duh,brg hmin [8.2.1]
D hmin
s [8.2.2]
uh ,brg

2
whereCisthedistancefromthefastenerjointsaxistotheflangeedgeasindicatedin Figure87.Joints
1078H

thatdonosatisfythesecriteriashouldbeanalysedusingFEMortesting.

FA

Duh ,brg

FA

Figure87LimitationsoftheEccentricJointAnalysisMethod

113
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Inamultifastenerjointsuchas Figure88thespacingbetweenfasteners(fastenerpitch)isdefinedast,
1079H

andtheflangelengthassumedtobeloadedbyeachfastenerisdefinedasb,whichisassumedtobegiven
by,
Duh ,brg hmin if t Duh ,brg hmin
b [8.2.3]
t if t Duh ,brg hmin

ASSUMED
INTERFACE
AREA AB FOR
ONE FASTENER

Figure88TheInterfaceAreaforMultipleFastenerJoints

Theclampedinterfaceareashownin Figure88hasanarea,Ac=b.C,andaradiusofgyration,
1080H

1
I 2 [8.2.4]
Gc c
Ac
whereIcisthesecondmomentofareaoftheclampedinterface(aboutitsneutralaxis),whichisgivenby
bt3/12fortheinterfaceshownin Figure88.
1081H

Subjecttotheaboveassumptions,clampedpartscompliancevaluescanbecalculatedforthetwoclasses
ofeccentricjointsshowninthefollowingparagraphs.

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8.2.1.2 Eccentric Joints Loaded at the Fastener Axis
301B

Thisclassofjointshastheexternalloadisintroducedatthefasteneraxis(i.e.s=a),asshownin Figure 1082H

89.

Figure89AnEccentricallyLoadedJointwheres=a

The compliance of the clamped parts, c * , is higher than c and is calculated by multiplying the
complianceofanequivalentconcentricjointbyaneccentricityfactor,accordingto,
[8.2.5]

s2
c* c 1 2
Gc Ac

Asub
whichcanbewritteninamoresimpleformas,
c * c 1 2 [8.2.6]

where isthelengthratiogivenby,
s / Gc
[8.2.7]
Ac / Asub
whereAsub,istheeffectiveclampingareadefinedbelowinParagraph 8.2.1.4.1083H

8.2.1.3 General Case of an Eccentric Joint


302B

This(moregeneral)classofjointsisshowninFigure7.2.4,andhasclampedpartscompliancegivenby,
a
c ** c 1 2 [8.2.8]
s

115
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where; isdefinedbyequation [8.2.7]. 1084H

Thevalueofainequation [8.2.8]isalwaystakenaspositive.ThevalueofsispositiveifSSandAAare
1085H

onthesamesideofOOornegativeiftheyareonoppositesides.Thus, c
**
maybeeithergreaterthanor
lessthan c .

A S O

A S O

Figure810TheGeneralEccentricallyLoadedJoint

8.2.1.4 The Effective Clamping Area


303B

The effective clamping area, Asub, used in equation [8.2.7] is the crosssectional area of the assumed
1086H

compressionzone(seeSubsection 7.6.2)atitsgreatestextent,andiscalculatedasfollows,
1087H

a. ForaclampedsleevewithnarrowflangeswithDavail Dlim,

Asub

4
D lim
2
d [8.2.9]

b. ForwideflangeswithDavail>3Dlim;

2
Lc [8.2.10]
Asub Duh ,brg d2
4 10

c. FortheintermediatecasewithDlim<Davail 3Dlim

116
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Dlim Duh ,brg Lc Lc 2


Asub

Duh ,brg
2
d 2
8 D 1
[8.2.11]
4 uh ,brg 5 100

8.2.2 The Joint Diagram


158B

The joint diagram developed for concentric joints in Section 7 can also be used to describe the
1088H

characteristicsofeccentricaxiallyloadedjoints.
TriangleS1,V1,P1of Figure811representsthepreloadedconditionwherethefastenertensionFbisequal
1089H

andoppositetothecompressiveloadontheclampedpartsFK.AstheexternaleccentricloadFAincreases
from zero the fastener extends under the partial load Fb , A,1 . This causes the clamped parts to lose
compression linearly until the point when the joint begins to separate at the side nearest the load FA.
DuringthisphasethestraightlineV1toH1representsthebehaviouroftheclampedparts.IfFAisfurther
increased, the joint characteristics change to that of a hinge and lever producing a nonlinear load
deflection response of the clamped parts. The fastener therefore feels a high proportion of the external
load Fb , A,1 thanwouldbepredictedbyextrapolationofthelineV1H1.

Fb , A,1

Figure811TheJointDiagramforEccentricallyLoadedJointsshowingtheNon
LinearityoftheClampedParts

Figure 812 shows the load increment in the fastener due to the same dynamic external load FA, and
1090H

illustrates the fact that higher preload (indicated by FV2) delay the onset of separation and thus (V1
H1)<(V2H2). The figure also indicates that, after onesided opening commences, the higher the preload
reducestheloadincrementinthefastener,i.e. Fb , A, 2 < Fb , A,1 .

117
ECSSEHB3223A
16April2010

Fb , A, 2

Figure812JointDiagramwithaHigherPreload

8.2.3 The Force Ratio


159B

Foraneccentricaxiallyloadedjointwithalargecontactarea,assumingtheclampedpartsbehavelinearly,
itcanbeshownthattheforceratio, e,n ,priortoonesidedopeningisgivenby,

** [8.2.12]
e,n necc c *
b c

where c and c aredefinedinSubsection 8.2.1,andneccisdefinedbelowinSubsection 8.2.4.


* **
1091H 1092H

As was the case for concentric joints, the force ratio is used to determine the incremental loads
experienced by the fastener and clamped parts due to the externally applied force according to the

relations; Fb , A e, n FA and Fc , A 1 e ,n FA .

Thedifferenceintheforceratiocomparedwiththatoftheequivalentconcentricjointisthequantitative
consequenceofthepryingeffect(seeSubsection 8.1.2). 1093H

8.2.4 Loading Plane Factor


160B

For eccentric axially loaded joints, the loading factor derived in Section 7.7 need to be corrected. The
1094H

assumptionismadethatallcrosssectionsstayplanarduringdeformationsofthejoint.Firsttheloading
planefactorhastobedeterminedforatheoreticaljoint,wherethefastenerslongitudinalaxisismovedto
apointthatleadstoaconcentricaxiallyloadedjoint.Thentheeccentricloadingplanefactoriscalculated
with,
Lc
ncon a s [8.2.13]
Ec I c
necc
Lc
1 s 2

Ec I c
where;nconistheconcentricloadingplanefactorfromSection 7.7. 1095H

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8.2.5 The Interface Opening Limit
161B

Figure7.2.8showsthelimitingvalueoftheexternalload,FA,sep,atwhichtheinterfacebeginstoopen.This
iscalculatedby,
FV
FA, sep [8.2.14]
a u su
1 2 1 2 e,n
Gc Gc
whereuistheeccentricityfthepointoffirstgapping(relativetothejointaxisOO).
Converselyforagivenexternalload,FA,therewillbeavalueofpreload,FV,sep,atwhichonesidedopening
willjustoccur,
FV , sep FK , sep 1 e,n FA [8.2.15]
whereFK,sepistheclampingforceattheonsetofinterfacegappingasgivenby,

FK , sep
a s u F [8.2.16]
A
Gc s u
2

FA, sep

Figure813AnEccentricallyJointLoadedtotheInterfaceOpeningLimitwiththe
LoadingPlaneInsidetheJoint

SeeReference 8.4forthederivationoftheaboverelationships.
1096H

8.2.6 Preload Considerations


162B

8.2.6.1 Preload Scatter


304B

Theeffectsofpreloadscatterduetofrictionvariablesduringassemblyarethesameforeccentricjointsas
forconcentricjoints,describedinSection5.1.2.1.

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8.2.6.2 Preload Loss
305B

Embedding,asdescribedinSection5.1.3.2,mainlyoccursafterpreloadingbutbeforeexternalloadingis
applied.Theamountofembeddingpreloadlossforaneccentricjointcanbecalculatedasforaconcentric
jointfrom,
f Z (1 e ,n )
FZ [8.2.17]
c
where fZ is the plastic deformation caused by embedding as given by Table 6.3.1, and e,n is the force
ratio.

8.3 Cantilevered Flange Joints


55B

8.3.1 Overview
163B

These joints have small contact areas at the interstice, leading to bending moments being transmitted
through the flange. This results in the axis of the clamped parts being fixed rather than moving with
changeinexternalloadFA(thecaseforjointswithlargeareasofcontact).
For this class of joints, the procedure for determining the flange compliance can be complex and time
consuming.ThetheorypresentedinthefollowingSubsectionsappliestothespecialcaseofcircularjoints
with cantilevered flanges. For more general cases with noncircular flanges it is recommended to use
testingorFEM.

8.3.2 Compliance of Circular Flanges


164B

8.3.2.1 Overview
306B

References 8.3 and 8.5 give empirical relationships for joints with cantilevered circular flanges. This
1097H 1098H

categoryofjointsoftenoccurswhengasketsorsealingringsareused.

8.3.2.2 Linear Superposition of Deformations


307B

Forcantileveredflangejoints,threecompliancesareusedincombinationtodescribetheflangesbending
displacements. Figure 814 indicates three modes of deformation that determine the deflections of the
1099H

flangebetweentheaxisofthefastenerandtheaxisoftheclampedparts.Thesecompliancesarecalculated
asfollows:

L1 Thisisthecomplianceoftheflangesunderthepreloadtakinginto [8.3.1]
1 accountthebendingeffectsduetotheeccentricclampingload.
FV

L2
2 This is the bending compliance of the flanges due to the [8.3.2]
Fb , A corresponding portion of the applied load seen by the fastener. In
other words it is the flange bending due to the couple Fb , A with
forces acting at the axes of the fastener axis and externally applied
load.

120
ECSSEHB3223A
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L3
3 Thisisthebendingcomplianceoftheflangesduetotheloadseenby [8.3.3]
Fc , A the clamped parts and the corresponding portion of the applied
load.Inparticular,itistheflangebendingduetothecouple Fc , A
withforcesactingattheaxesoftheclampedpartsandtheexternally
appliedload.
Assumingnogappingoccurs,theelongationoftheflangeduetotheexternalloadisthelinearsumofthe
threeextensionmodesof Figure814,ie.,
1100H

Lc , A L3 L2 Lb , A [8.3.4]
Thusthecomplianceoftheflangeis,
L3 L2 Lb , A
c [8.3.5]
Fc , A

Axis of
clamped parts
contact area
Axis of Axis of
applied load fastener

FV

L1 FV 1

Fb , A FV

L2 Fb , A 21

Fb , A
Fc , A

L3 Fc , A 31
Fc , A
Central Axis of
Circular Flange

Figure814DefinitionofFlangeComplianceduetoBendingLoadsatDifferent
Points

121
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Two types of flanges are frequently employed for circular joints, fixed flanges and loose flanges. Fixed
flanges are rigidly connected to the remaining structures. Loose flanges are separate annular rings that
compress the mating parts together. The following two paragraphs provide analytical equations for the
complianceofbothtypesofflanges.

8.3.2.3 Compliance of Fixed Circular Flanges


308B

Figure815showsatypicalfixedflangewithasmallcontactareasuchasasealingring.Forthistypeof
1101H

flangethethreecompliancesof Figure814aregivenbythefollowingequations(seeReference 8.5):


1102H 1103H

1 aD 2
[8.3.6]
2 aD aR [8.3.7]
3 a D a R a D [8.3.8]
where istheinversioncompliance(definedinParagraph 8.3.2.5below).
1104H

Fb
di

Fc d


Figure815DimensionsofaFixedCircularFlange(withaWeldneck)

In general, the contacting interstice between the fixed flanges can be either alargearea ora small area.
Onlythecaseofthesmallcontactareaisconsideredinthistheory.

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8.3.2.4 Compliance of Loose Circular Flanges
309B

Figure816showsthebendingdimensionsandbendingdeformationsofaloosecircularflange.Forthis
1105H

flangethejointaxis(OO)andtheexternalloadaxis(AA)aregenerallycoincidentandasaresult 3 is
zero.Thus,thebendingdeformationduetoanexternalloadFAisonlyduetotheincreaseinfastenerload
Fb ,a andisgivenby,
L Fb , A a F
2
[8.3.9]

Thisisrearrangedtogivetheflangecompliance,
L
c aF
2
[8.3.10]
F
where istheinversioncompliance(definedinParagraph 8.3.2.5below).
1106H

di Dh

Figure816BendingDeformationofCircularLooseFlange

8.3.2.5 Inversion Compliance


310B

Theinversioncompliance, ,isgivenby,
da di
[8.3.11]
4 E hW
whereWisafactoraccountingforthepresenceoftheholesintheflangegivenby,
W=
1
12

da di d * h2 (forlooseflanges) [8.3.12]

or
1
12 12

d i S F S F 2 1 d a d i d * h 2 (forfixedflanges) [8.3.13]

wheredaanddiareflangeannulusouterandinnerdiameters(see Figure815and Figure816),SFisthe


1107H 1108H

radialthicknessoftheweldneck(see Figure815),histhethicknessoftheflange,andd*isdefinedby,
1109H

123
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d [8.3.14]
for Wnom 500
2
d*
Wnom
1 d for Wnom 500
1000
wheredisthediameterofthefastenerholes,andWnomistheflangenominalwidthspecifiedinmm.

8.3.3 Force Ratio for Circular Cantilever Flanges


165B

8.3.3.1 Single Flange


311B

Consider a weld neck flange such as the one illustrated in Figure 815, fastened to an infinitely stiff
1110H

surfacesuchthatonlytheflangeundergoesbendingdeflections.Duringpreloadingthefastenerextends
by Lb andtheflangedeflectsby,
L1 1 FV [8.3.15]
WhentheexternalloadFAisaddedthefastenerisstretchedby,
Lb , A b Fb , A [8.3.16]

Theforceratioforthecantileveredflangejoint, C ,canbedefinedasfollows,
Fb , A 1
C [8.3.17]
Fb , A Fc , A Fc , A
1
F
b , A
UsingEquations [8.3.1], [8.3.2], [8.3.3]and [8.3.5],
Fb , A b 2 Fc , A c 3
1111H 1112H 1113H 1114H

[8.3.18]
Therefore, combining Equations [8.3.17] and [8.3.18] the force ratio expressed as a function of the
1115H 1116H

compliancesis,
1
2 [8.3.19]
C 1 b
c 3

Forlooseflangeswheretheclampingloadandappliedloadarecoincident 3 =0andEquation [8.3.19]is 1117H

simplifiedto,
1
2 [8.3.20]
C 1 b
c

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8.3.3.2 Twin Flanges
312B

Thecompliancesderivedintheaboveparagraphareforindividualcantileveredflanges.Inmanycases,
thejointhastwosymmetriccantileveredflanges.Forsuchajoint,withfixedflangesandmboltstheforce
ratioisgivenby,
1
b 2 [8.3.21]
2
C 1 m
c 2 3

where b and c includetheeffectsofbothflangesandtheincreasedLc(unlikethosevaluesusedinthe
aboveparagraph).

Forlooseflanges, 3 =0,andEquation [8.3.21]becomessimplifiedto,


1118H

1
b 2 [8.3.22]
2
C 1 m
c

where b and c areredefinedtoaccountforbothflanges,asabove.

8.3.4 Simplified Joint Diagram for Eccentric Joints


166B

8.3.4.1 Overview
313B

Consider a weld neck type flange, as shown in Figure 815 with m bolts. If the fasteners are equally
1119H

preloadedbyFV/mandconsequentlystretchedby ( b FV ) m ,thetwoflangeswillbendby 2 1 FV while


alsobeingcompressedby ( c FV ) m .Thispreloadingisrepresentedinthejointdiagramof Figure817
1120H

bythetriangleSPV.

Figure817SimplifiedJointDiagramforCantileveredFlangedJoints

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8.3.4.2 Onset of Separation
314B

Separationoccurswhenthepreloadreducestozero,whichisrepresentedbythelinePMin Figure817. 1121H

Attheonsetofseparation FA PM (where MN isequalto Fb , A and NP isequalto Fc , A ).Thus,


Fc , A FV [8.3.23]

8.3.5 Joint Diagram for Eccentric NonLinear Joints


167B

In the case of symmetrically flanged joint with a gasket or seal which has non linear deformation
characteristics,theclampedpartscompliance c isdependentupontheload.

Assumingmfasteners,Equation [8.3.23]canberearrangedtogive;
1122H


3 Lc , A Fc , A 3 [8.3.24]
Fb , A c Fc , A
b 2 b
m m 2

Since Lc , A and Fc , A are nonlinear, the joint diagram is also linear. To construct the joint diagram, a
range of values of Lc , A are assumed and using the gasket characteristics, the corresponding values of
Fc , A can be determined.Hence, the valuesof Fb , A can be calculatedandused to construct the joint
diagram.

Figure818TheJointDiagramforNonLinearGasketJoints

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8.4 Fastener Loads in Eccentric Joints


56B

8.4.1 168BBending Moments

8.4.1.1 315BOverview
The bending moment in an eccentric joint causes bending stress in the fastener. This stress needs to be
consideredinadditiontothedirectstressescausedbyFAand Fb , A andtakenintoaccount,particularly
whendeterminingthefatigueendurancelimit.
Consideringtheloadsactingontheupperclampedpartof Figure819,thesumofmomentsaboutthe
1123H

jointaxisOOis,
M FA a Fb , A s FV s [8.4.1]
ThechangeinMduetotheexternallyappliedloadFAisgivenbythefirsttwotermsintherighthandside
ofEquation [8.2.17].Thus,theincrementtothemomentcanbewrittenas,
1124H

s
M A FA a Fb , A s 1 e ,n a FA [8.4.2]
a
AccordingtoReference 8.3thismomentincrementispartlyabsorbedbytheclampedparts,as M c , A ,
1125H

andpartlybythefasteneras M b , A (asisthecaseforaxialloads),accordingtotheratioofthebending
compliances.Thisleadstotherelation,
1 [8.4.3]
M b , A M A
1 b c
whichcanbesimplifiedfor b c togive,
c s
M b , A M A c 1 e ,n a FA [8.4.4]
b b a
where c isthebendingcomplianceoftheclampedpartsgivenby,
Lc
c 2
[8.4.5]
Gc Ac E c
and b isthebendingcomplianceofthefastenergivenby,
1 Li
b
Eb
I
i
[8.4.6]
i

where Li is the length of the ith segment of thefastener,andIi isthe second moment ofarea of the ith
segmentofthefastener,andEbistheyoungsmodulusofthefastener.

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Lc nLc

FV Fb , A

Figure819IdealisedLinearPressureDistributionacrossanEccentricallyLoaded
JointsInterface

8.4.1.2 Fastener Stress under Combined Axial and Bending Loads


316B

Thedeterminingfactorfortheendurancelimitofthefastenerinaneccentricallyloadedjointisgenerally
thenominalstress nom .Thisarisesfromthelongitudinalforce Fb , A andthemoment M b , A forthe
tensionfibresubjecttothegreateststressintheminorcrosssectionatthefirstloadbearingthreadturn.
Thisiscalculatedfrom,
nom axial bending [8.4.7]

Fb , A M b , A d 3

A3 I3 2

FA c s F d
e,n 1 e , n a A 3
A3 b a I3 2
Substitutingfor j , b andA3, [8.4.7]canberewrittenas,
1126H

1 s Lc Eb a d 3 3 e , n FA [8.4.8]
nom 1
e ,n a Lsub E c 8 Ac Gc
2
A3
where;theexpressiontotherightofthebracketsisthestressarisingonlyfromtheforce Fb , A ,andthe
expressioninbracketsisitsrelativeincreaseasaresultoftheadditionalbendingstress.

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8.5 References
57B

8.1
1127H G.H. Junker & P.W. The Bolted Joint: Economy of Design Through Improved Analysis
Wallace andAssemblyMethods,Proc.Instn.Mech.Engrs.Vol.198BNo.14.,
1984

8.2
1128H AGATONOVICP Beitrag zur Berechnung von SchraubenVerbindungen, Dralitwelt
S8,Part2P.130137,1972

8.3
1129H WheelerA.T.,ClarkeM.J., Design Model for Bolted Moment End Plate Connections using
Hancock G. J., Murray T. Rectangular Hollow Sections, University of Sydney, Centre for
M. AdvancedStructuralEngineering,June1997.

8.4
1130H VDI2230,Oct.2001, SystematicCalculationsofHighDutyBoltedJoints
VDIRICHTLINIEN
8.5
1131H VDI2505 CalculationofFlangedJoints

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9
Shear Loaded Joints
10B

9.1 Introduction
58B

9.1.1 Overview
169B

Shearloadedjointsareoftenusedtoconnectsheetorplatematerialandusuallyhavemultiplefasteners.
Thesetypesofjointstransmitloadstransversetothelongitudinalofthefastener.Atypicalshearjointis
illustratedin Figure91.
1132H

Figure91TypicalDoubleLapShearJoint

Shearloadedjointscanbedesignedaccordingtotwofundamentallydifferentphilosophies.
a. Frictiongrip(orslipresistant)design
b. Bearingtype(orslippedjoint)design

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Asthenamesuggests,frictiongripjointsrelyonfrictionbetweentheflangestotransmittheshearloads.
Bearing joints rely on the fasteners to transmit the shear loads, which are generated at the interface
betweenthefastenershankandtheflangehole.
Inpracticejointswillgenerallybehaveasfrictiongripjointsuntiltheloadissufficientlyhightoslipthe
flanges. Figure92showsatypicalforcevs.extensioncurveforashearjointshowinghowafrictiongrip
1133H

joint can slip into a bearing joint configuration as the transverse force FQ increases. The extent of the
deformation occurring during the slip depends on the fastener pattern, the hole clearance and the
alignmentoftheholes.
ForthereasonsexplainedbelowinSubsection 9.2.1,whenfeasible,frictiongripdesignisthepreferred
1134H

optionforjointsinspacecraftstructures.

Figure92LoadDeformationCurveforaFastenerinDirectShear

9.1.2 Analysis Approach


170B

Frictiongripjointsandbearingjointsneedanalysisofdifferentfailurecases.Themarginsofsafetyrelated
forshearloadsthatneedtobecalculatedforeachtypeofjointaresummarisedin Table91.
1135H

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Table91FailureModesofShearJointTypes
Marginofsafety Friction Bearing Referto
gripjoint joint section
Slipping Yes No 9.2.2
1136H

Fastenershear No Yes 9.3.2


1137H

Holebearing No Yes 9.3.4


1138H

Flangenettensionsection Yes Yes 9.3.3


1139H


Flangecrushing Yes No 7.12
1140H

Fastenercombinedbendingandshear No Yes [1]

[1]Thisfailuremodeisnotcoveredinthisversionofthehandbook.

9.2 Friction Grip Joints


59B

9.2.1 Design Principles


171B

Friction grip design relies on a sufficiently high clamping force maintained by the fasteners to prevent
transverse slippage of the clamped plates due to transverse load. It has the principal advantage that,
providing slip does not occur, the fastener feels only the tensile preload in the case of symmetric joints
(doubleshearandtwofayingsurfaces)shownin Figure93and Figure94.Intheunsymmetricalcaseof
1141H 1142H

asinglefayingsurface(singleshear)shownin Figure95and Figure96thejointsdeformationcreates


1143H 1144H

relativelysmalltensionloadinthefasteners,whichisnormallyinsignificant.
Therearealsosomeotheradvantages:
Largeclearanceholescanbeused,whichfacilitatesmanufacture,assemblyandinterchangeability.
For stiffness and load transfer considerations the mating flanges in a friction grip joint can be
treatedasasingleelasticbody.
Intheabsenceofslip,vibrationlooseningdoesnotoccur.
Frictiongripdesignissimpletoimplementsincethefastenerpreload,provideditisabovetheslip
threshold,isnotcritical.Therefore,frictiongripfastenerscanbesizedontensileclampingstrength
alone.
Sincethereisgenerallyadditionalstrengthinthebearingload(atleastbeforeitsultimatefailure),
frictiongripdesigncouldbeconsideredfailsafe.
For friction grip joints the clamped parts strength should be calculated by the net section tension
method(seeSubsection 9.3.3).
1145H

Ifdesired,africtiongripjointcanalsobeanalysedforslippageintobearingusingthemethodsinSection
9.3.
1146H

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Figure93ASymmetricalShearJoint

Lb Lc

Figure94TheJointDiagramforEachFastenerinFigure6.3

Figure95TypicalUnsymmetricalFrictionGripShearJoint

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Figure96FastenerBendingandTensioninanUnsymmetricalShearJoint

9.2.2 Slip Resistance


172B

9.2.2.1 Overview
317B

Slip resistance depends on the friction force at the interfaces faying surfaces. This force is in turn
dependentonthefastenerclampingloadandthefrictioncoefficientatthosefayingsurfaces.

9.2.2.2 Pure Shear Loading


318B

Whennoexternalaxialloadisappliedtothejoint,theclampingloadisequaltothesumofthepreloads
andtheslipresistanceisgivenconservativelyby,
m
S r x s FV ,min,i [9.2.1]
i 1

where; s istheslipcoefficientoftheflangeinterface,xisthenumberoffayingsurfaces,andFV,min,iisthe
minimum preload in the ith fastener taking into account variations in preload and thermal effects (see
Equation[5.1.17b]).
Ifallofthefastenersinthejointhavethesameminimumpreload,FV,min,Equation [9.2.1]issimplifiedto,
1147H

S r x s m FV ,min [9.2.2]
wheremisthenumberoffastenersinthejoint.
InmultifastenerjointsEquation [9.2.2]canbeoverlyconservativesinceitassumesthatallfastenersare
1148H

tightenedtothelowerboundoftheirpreloadrange.Therefore,ifthejointhasenoughfasteners(typically
5ormore),theslipresistanceofthejointcanbecalculatedwith,
S r x s m FV ,av [9.2.3]
where FV,av, is the preload evaluated at the most extreme thermal conditions but with the friction
coefficients that influence the preload (i.e. th and uh ) taken as the average of their respective upper
andlowerbounds(seeSubsection5.1.2).

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9.2.2.3 Slip Resistance For Axial Loaded Joints
319B

Providedthejointdoesnotslip,thefastenerwillexperienceonlytensileload.Forthesimplejointsshown
in Figure97theexternalaxialloadFAispartlyabsorbedinstretchingtheboltbutismainlyabsorbedin
1149H

releasing the clamped parts. The axial load reduces the interface clamping, FK, and thereby reduces the
shearloadcapacityofthejoint.

Figure97SimpleFrictionGripJointwithAddedTensionLoading

A friction grip joint is considered to have failed when the joint has slipped. It is therefore necessary to
ensurethat,
S r x s m Fc FQ [9.2.4]
whereFcistheflangecompressionforce.
Theflangecompressionisrelievedaccordingto,
Fc FV 1 e ,n FA [9.2.5]

where the force ratio term e,n takes into account any adjustments for the loading plane factor (see
Section 7.5)oreccentricity(seeSection 8.2.3).
1150H 1151H

Therelationshipbetweentheaxialloadandslipresistanceislinear(see Figure98).
1152H

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Figure98ReductionofShearCapacitywithIncreasingExternalAxialLoad

9.2.2.4 Friction Coefficients at the Interface


320B

Friction is subject to high variability. Therefore, to ensure safety in the design calculations, it should be
assumedthat s isattheminimumofitsrange,andthesurfaceroughnessofinterfacesshouldbetaken
intoaccount.Itshouldberememberedthatalthoughanincreaseinsurfaceroughnessincreasestheslip
coefficient,italsoincreasesthepreloadlossduetoembeddingwhichmaybethemoreimportanteffect
(seeSubsection 6.4.2).
1153H

AnnexCliststypicalfrictioncoefficientsforcommonlyusedjointmaterials.
1154H

9.2.2.5 Design Features that Increase Slip Resistance


321B

The joint may be designed with specific features that increase its slip resistance such as those shown in
Figure 8.2.5. However, the calculation of the shear capacity of such joints is beyond the scope of this
document.

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a) Slip Resistant Joggle Joint

b) Slip Resistance Abutment Joint

c) Slip Resistance Toothed Washer Joint

Figure99JointDesignFeaturesthatIncreaseSlipResistance

9.2.3 Friction Grip Strength Analysis


173B

Thestrengthanalysisdocumentationforsuchajointshouldclearlyidentifyitasafrictiongripjointand
themarginofsafetyforslippingshouldbestated.
Themarginofsafetyforslippingiscalculatedtakingintoaccountthelowestpossiblepreload,FV,min,and
thesafetyfactorforultimateloads(see Table54).Itisdefinedas;
F 1 e ,n FA s x
1155H

MoS slip [9.2.6]


V , min

FQ sf ult
If the MoS for slipping is positive, the margin of safety on separation defined in Section 7.8 is also
1156H

positive.Ifused,thisfactshouldbeclearlystatedinthestrengthanalysisdocumentation.
The net tension section of each flange should also have sufficient strength to carry the shear load. See
Subsection 9.3.3forthenetsectionevaluationmethod.
1157H

Itcanalsoexistadesignrequirementthat,ifthefrictiongripjointslipintobearing,thejointdoesnotfail
inanyoftheothermodesdescribedinthenextparagraphforbearingjoints.

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9.3 Bearing Joints


60B

9.3.1 Design Principles


174B

9.3.1.1 Overview
322B

Abearingjointisonewhichhasslippeduntilthefastenersbearontheholesasillustratedby Figure 1158H

910.Ajointisalsoconsideredtobeabearingjointwhenatighttoleranceshaft(orpluggauge)isused.
Bearing type joints are mostly used where the necessary clamping force to prevent slip exceeds the
clampedmaterialsunderheadcrushingstrength(seeSection 7.11).Suchjointsarethereforepreloadedto
1159H

a level below the flanges crushing strength, but sufficiently high to lock the fastener under transverse
vibration. The joint is then allowed to slip into bearing, where the shear load is transmitted via the
fastenersintotheflangesviabearingstresswithinholes.

Figure910ShearJointinBearing

Figure911showsalapjointwithalargenumberoffasteners.Insuchjointssomeofthefasteners,dueto
1160H

theirpositionattheendofthefastenerrow,takeahigherloadthanothers.Whentheexternalshearload
is applied, some load redistribution invariably takes place due to local line contact yielding. However,
afterthisredistributiontheouterfastenerscanstillexperienceshearloadssome15%aboveaverage.

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FASTENER
SHEAR
STRESS

FASTENER NUMBER

Figure911LongBearingShearStressDistribution

9.3.1.2 Thread Within the Hole


323B

An important design feature of any bearing joint is the number of disengaged threads in the load path
withinthejoint.Thisisillustratedby Figure910,inwhichthethreadedregionsofthefastenersextend
1161H

partiallyintothehole,proportionatelyincreasingtheholebearingstress.Intheextremecasewherethe
interface plane passes through a threaded part of the fastener, its shear area is reduced from the shank
crosssectional area, Asha, to the threads stress area, AS. For these reasons, it is recommended that the
thread be carefully dimensioned to minimise the length of disengaged thread in the joint, while also
ensuringthatthereissufficientthreadtoaccountformanufacturingtolerances.

9.3.1.3 Pivoting Bearing Joint


324B

Another type of bearing joint that is commonly found in mechanisms where relative rotation of the
flangesaboutasinglefastenerpivot(scissorsaction)isadesignrequirement.Inthiscasethenutneedsa
locking mechanism and the fastener preload is negligibly low. The fastener is therefore predominantly
subjecttotransverseshearandbearingloadsbetweenfastenerandhole.Also,dependingonthedegreeof
eccentricityoftheappliedload,thebendingstresseswithinthefastenermaybesignificant.

9.3.1.4 Strength Analysis of Bearing Joints


325B

Thestrengthofabearingdesignedshearjointdependsonitsresistanceinthreefailuremodes;fastener
shear,holebearingandflangeshearoutfailure.Thestrengthcalculationmethodsforeachofthesefailure
modesaregiveninthefollowingSubsections.

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9.3.2 Fastener Shear Failure
175B

9.3.2.1 Overview
326B

Forthecalculationoftheshearresistanceofthefastenerscrosssectionatthejointsshearingplanehasto
beused.Ifthethreadislyingintheshearplane,thefastenersstresscrosssectionalareatobeusedisAS.
Otherwise,thefastenersshankisintheshearplaneanditscrosssectionalareaAshashouldbeused.

9.3.2.2 Pure Shear


327B

TheMoSforshearfailureofthefastenerareasfollows:

y As [9.3.1]
MoS Q , y 1 (foryield)
FQ sf y

ult As [9.3.2]
MoS Q , y 1 (forultimate)
FQ sf ult

where y and ult aretheyieldandultimateshearstressesforthefastener,andAsisthecrosssectional


areaattheshearplane(eitherAshaorAS).

9.3.2.3 Combined Shear and Axial Loads


328B

Inabearingdesignthepreloadischosentoensurethattheassembledjointwillslipintobearingatthe
first external shear load application. It is therefore necessary to calculate the slip load and preload the
fastenerstoalevelbelowthattheonetopreventslip.
Thejointsstrengthdependsnotonlyontheshearandtensioninteractioninthefastenerbutalsoonthe
dimensionsandmaterialpropertiesoftheclampedparts.Therelativemagnitudeoftheaxialandshear
componentsofthecombinedloadingmaymakeitnecessarytoreducetheaxialpreloadinordertoallow
more of the fasteners strength to be used in shear. It is therefore necessary, when designing a bearing
jointexperiencingbothtensionandshearloads,toworkbackwardstoaremainingclampingforcerather
thansizethefastenerbythepreloadrequirements.
Thefastenersshearcapacitydependsnotonlyontheboltsizeanditsmaterialshearstrength,butalsoon
thelevelsofaxialandtorsionalstressinthetriaxialstresssysteminitsshearingplanes.
The equations below assume that all torsional stresses (due to torque tightening) are removed by
embedding,andbendingstressesaresmall.Undertheseassumptionsonlytheinteractionbetweenaxial
andshearstressareconsideredwithinthefastener.
In cases where it cannot be assumed that bearing joints have negligible fastener bending, more
comprehensivefastenerfailuretheoriesshouldbeapplied.
Thus,theverificationofthecombinedloadedbearingjointusesstressinteractionrelations.Ifthethreadis
in the shear plane (not a recommended design practice), the following combined stress interaction
relationsshouldbesatisfied:
[9.3.3]
Rcomb, y R A, y RS , y 1 (foryield)
2 2

[9.3.4]
Rcomb ,ult R A,ult RS ,ult 1 (forultimate)
2 2

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Iftheshankisintheshearplane,thefollowingstressinteractionrelationscanbeused:

Rcomb , y R A, y RS , y 1 (foryield)
2 3 [9.3.5]

Rcomb ,ult R A,ult RS ,ult 1 (forultimate)


2 3 [9.3.6]

Theaboveequations[9.3.25]usethefollowingratiosforthefastenersstrengthutilisationratios:
F e ,n FA sf y
R A, y [9.3.7]
V , max

y AS
F e ,n FA sf ult
R A,ult [9.3.8]
V , max

y AS
FQ sf y
RQ , y [9.3.9]
y AS
FQ sf ult
RQ ,ult [9.3.10]
ult AS
Ifgappingistolerable,thestressinteractionrelationsshouldalsobecheckedwithEquations[8.3.6]and
[8.3.8]replacedbythefollowing(overallaxialload)equationsrespectively:
FA sf y
R A, y [9.3.11]
y AS
FA sf ult
R A,ult [9.3.12]
y AS
Themarginsofsafetyforcombinedaxialandshearforcesactingonthefastenerare,
1
MoS comb, y 1 [9.3.13]
Rcomb , y
1
MoS comb,ult 1 [9.3.14]
Rcomb,ult
Thecalculationofthemarginofsafetyoncombinedloadsforequation[9.3.3&4]isgraphicallydepictedin
Figure 912. Point A represents a loading case that results in a combined margin of safety below the
1162H

criticallevel.PointBrepresentsthemarginofsafetyforahigherloadingcaseatthecriticallevelbutwith
the same ratio between the combined loads. This graphical interpretation cannot be used for the cubic
termsinequations[9.3.5&6].

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RA

1.0

0.5

0.5 1.0 RQ

Figure912GraphicalDeterminationoftheMarginofSafetyonCombinedLoads

9.3.2.4 Shear Strength of Fastener Group with Hole Tolerance


329B

Whenajointhasmorethanonefastener,holetolerancescannotbeperfectandthusaclearancebetween
holeandfastener.Thisclearancerequiresextradeformationstobringthefullsetoffastenersintobearing,
andcreatesareductioninthestrengthofthejoint.
ThetheoryinReference 9.1canbeusedtocalculatethetotalbearingstrengthofafastenergroupwith
1163H

hole clearances at their maximum tolerance bounds. The theory makes the following limiting
assumptions:
Steelfastenersinaluminiumflanges
Fastenershanksareinbearing(i.e.nothreadinholes)
Thetheoryuseaconservativeapproachwherebythefirstfastenertofailisintheholeatthemaximum
tolerance bound, whereas as all other holes are at the centre of their tolerance bounds. This situation is
shownin Figure913.
1164H

142
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CL
2

Fastener in contact with hole

Figure913FastenerGroupwithholeclearance

Thecombinedstrengthofthefastenergroupistheidealstrengthassumingperfecttolerances(i.e.thetotal
shearstrengthofallfastenershanks),minustheforcecapabletobringallfastenershanksintobearing,i.e.

AS ult [9.3.15]
FastenerGroupBearingStrength= n n 1 FCL
sf ult
where n is the number of fasteners in the bearing joint and FCL is the shear force capable to move the
fastenershankbyadistanceequaltotheholeclearance.
* [9.3.16]
t1 t 2 FCL
FCL
t1 t 2
*
Where FCL isaparametergivenbytheempiricalrelation,

FCL 3.2245e10 (CL) 3 2.4222e 9 (CL) 2 1.2697e 7 (CL) 3.7262e 3


*
[9.3.17]

Thevariable,CL,istheholeclearance,whichisdefinedas Dh d .
Equation[8.3.16]isgraphicallypresentedin Figure914.
1165H

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0.020

0.018

0.016

0.014

0.012
CL
0.010
(mm)
0.008

0.006

0.004

0.002

0.000
0 200,000 400,000 600,000 800,000 1,000,000
*
FCL (N/mm)

Figure914Shearloadparameterversusholeclearance

9.3.3 Net Tension Section Failure of FlangeS


176B

9.3.3.1 Overview
330B

ThemethodforevaluatingnettensionsectionfailureistakenfromReference 9.2.Bythistheory,thenet
1166H

tensionsectionisdefinedasthesmallestareathatisobtainedbydeductingthesummedareaofallholes
lying in any potential failure path (straight or zigzag) across a flange from the gross crosssectional
sectionalarea.Thisfailuremodeshouldbeconsideredforbothfrictiongripjointsandbearingjoints.
In order to obtain a sufficiently large net tension section area to transmit the tension load through the
flange,itisnecessarytomeetthefollowingcondition:
FQ
Anet ,min [9.3.18]
K R ult
where ult is the yield strength of the respective flange, and KR is a reduction factor for the flange
materialsultimatestrength(seeSection9.3.3.2below),andAnet,ministhesmallestnettensionsectionarea
calculatedby,
Anet ,min Agross max Aholes ,i [9.3.19]
whereAgrossistheflangeareaignoringthepresenceoftheholes,andAholes,iisthesummationofthehole
areasalongtheithpotentialpathacrosstheflange.
Thesummationoftheholesareas,Aholes,considersthefullareaofthefirstholebutthenonlyfractional
partsofeachsucceedinghole,andiscalculatedby,

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m
pi
2

t d 1 1
[9.3.20]
Aholes
i 2 4 si d

wherepiandsiarethelateralandlongitudinaldistancesbetweenthecentresoftheithand(i1)thholes
(seeFigure8.3.3),andtisthethicknessoftheflange,andtheexpressioninsidetheangledbracketsshould
bereplacedwithzeroifitevaluatestoanegativevalue.
Figure915showsthenomenclatureusedtodefinethenettensionsection.
1167H

Figure915NomenclatureforNetTensionSectionCalculation

Themarginofsafetyonnettensionsectionfailureisthereforegivenby,
K R ult Anet ,min
MoS Q ,net 1 [9.3.21]
FQ sf ult

9.3.3.2 Net Section Data for Some Aluminium Alloys


331B

Aluminium alloys develop a net ultimate stress that varies according to the proportion of area lost
through holes. The curves in Figure 916 give reduction factors to be applied in Equation [9.3.20]. The
1168H 1169H

curvescorrespondtothefollowinggeneralgroupsofalloys:
AlCusolutiontreatedandnaturallyagedsheetandplate(e.g.L1632014ACLAD105OAT3)
AlCuAlZnsolutiontreatedandartificiallyagedsheetorplate(e.g.L1652014ACLAD105OAT6,L88
7075CLAD7072T6)
AlCusolutiontreatedandnaturallyagedextrudedbar(e.g.L1022014AT4),
AlCusolutiontreatedandartificiallyagedextrudedbar(e.g.L1682014AT6510,DTD5124AlZn,7075
T6)
Withtheexceptionofcurve3,thedatain Figure916isapplicabletoloadingsthatareeitherlongitudinal
1170H

ortransversetothegrain(orfinaldirectionofrolling).Thereisalsosomelimitedevidencethatcurve1
couldbeapplicabletonaturallyagedextrudedbarloadedinthetransversedirection.

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Figure916UltimateStrengthReductionFactorsforNetTensionSectionFailure

Thecurvesin Figure916arebasedondatafromtestsonspecimenswithunfilledholes,howeverspot
1171H

checkshaveshownthattheycanbeappliedtoloadedholes.Thedatawasderivedfromspecimenswhere
theedgedistanceoftheholeswas4d.Fromthegeneralshapeofthecurvesitmaybeassumedthatthey
areapplicableatloweredgedistances,sayto2d.

9.3.4 Hole Bearing Failure


177B

Afterslippingoneormorefastenersbearagainstthesideoftheirholes.Initially,anelasticbearingstress
is developed in the plate material adjacent to the hole, as indicated in Figure 917, peaking at the line
1172H

contact.AnincreaseintheshearforceFQcausesfurtherplasticelongationofthehole,asshownin Figure 1173H

918.Inmostcasesalinearstressdistribution,shownin Figure919,cangiveanadequateapproximation,
1174H

wherebythebearingstressis,
FQ
br [9.3.22]
dt
wheretisthethicknessoftheflange,anddisthediameterofthefastener.
If the fasteners thread extends within the hole, it should be assumed that the threaded region of the
fastenerisnotcapableoftransmittinganybearingstress.Insuchcases,thevalueoftinEquation [9.3.22] 1175H

shouldbedecreasedaccordingly.

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Inmostcases,thevalueofdinEquation [9.3.22]isequaltothenominalholediameter,Dh.However,if
1176H

thefastenersdiameterissignificantlysmallerthanthatofthehole,thesmaller(fastener)diametershould
be used. This situation typically occurs in multifastener joints where deliberately loose tolerances are
neededtoensureassemblyofpredrilledparts.

SIDE VIEW

PLAN VIEW

Figure917InitialBearingContactElasticStressesandDeformations

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SIDE VIEW

PLAN VIEW

Figure918Elastic/PlasticStressesandDeformationsAfterIncreasedLoading

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SIDE VIEW

PLAN VIEW

Figure919IdealisedBearingStresses

Thebearingstresscalculatedwithequation [9.3.22]shouldbecomparedtotheallowablevaluesforyield,
1177H

br , y ,andultimate, br ,ult ,bearingstrengthoftheflangematerial.Theseallowablevaluesarelistedin


Reference 9.3forspaceflightproofedmaterialsforedgedistanceratiosal/Dhof1.5and2.0,andforflange
1178H

thicknessratios t Dh intherange0.25to0.5.

Foral/Dhlessthan1.5itcanbeassumedthattheshearoutfailuremodewillbemorecritical(seeSection
9.3.5below).Aboveanedgedistanceratioof2.0thebearingstrengthisconstant.Iftheedgedistanceisin
1179H

the intermediate range (i.e. 1.5<al/Dh<2.0), the bearing strength should be interpolated linearly from the
valuesat1.5and2.0.
Themarginsofsafetyonholebearingstrengtharecalculatedasfollows:

br , y d t [9.3.23]
MoS br , y 1 (foryield)
FQ sf y

br ,ult d t [9.3.24]
MoS br ,ult 1 (forultimate)
FQ sf ult

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Notethatthevariable,d,intheaboveequationsisthediameterofthefastenerandnotthediameterofthe
hole. This distinction is important for joints with oversized holes, in which case the bearing area is
determinedbythefastenerdiameter.

9.3.5 Shear-Out or Tear-Out Failure


178B

Shearoutortearoutfailure,asillustratedin Figure920and Figure921respectively,canoccurwhen


1180H 1181H

thefastenersarelocatedclosetotheedgeoftheplate.Thesemodesoffailuredonotneedtobeconsidered
forfastenersthataremorethan2dfromaflangeedge.

Figure920ShearOutFailure Figure921TearOutFailure

To calculate the shear stress in the flange, , the minimum shearout length is used. Referring to the
notationofFigure922,thislengthisgivenby,

2al= ef + gh [9.3.25]

Figure922NomenclatureforPlateShearOutCalculation

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Thefollowingconditionistherelationtobesatisfiedbythedesign,foreachfastenernear(within2d)an
edge:
FQ
ult [9.3.26]
2 al t
wheretisthethicknessoftheflange,andFQisthecomponentofthefastenersloadactingtowardsthe
nearestedgeoftheflange.
Thisleadstothefollowingmarginofsafetyonshearout,
2 ult al t
MoS SO 1 [9.3.27]
FQ sf ult

9.4 61BEccentrically Loaded Shear Joints

9.4.1 Overview
179B

WhenthelineofactionoftheappliedshearloadFQdoesnotpassthroughthecentroidofafastenergroup
the joint is said to be eccentrically loaded. A typical eccentrically loadedshear joint is shown in Figure
1182H

923.

Figure923ATypicalEccentricLoadedShearJoint

Thetypeofloadfeltbyindividualfastenersdependswhetherthejointisoperatingasafrictiongriporas
a bearing type joint. The loadrotation curve for a typical joint loaded through friction grip and into
bearingisshownin Figure924.
1183H

Beforethejointslips,theflangesareassumeddeformtogetherasasingleelasticbody.Aftertheonsetof
slippageitshouldbeassumedthatallloadsaretransmittedviathebearingloadpaths.

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Figure924LoadvRotationCurveforaTypicalEccentricLoadedShearJoint

9.4.2 Fastener Group Centroid


180B

ThecentroidofthefastenergroupcanbedeterminedbyassuminganytwoaxesXandYandapplying
theequations,
Asha ,1 y1 Asha , 2 y 2 ... Asha ,n y n
y m
[9.4.1]

A
i 1
sha ,i

Asha ,1 x1 Asha , 2 x 2 ... Asha ,n x n


x m
[9.4.2]

A
i 1
sha ,i

wherexiandyiarethecoordinatesoftheithfastener,andAsha,iisitsshankarea.
Insomecasessymmetrycanalsobeusedtodeterminethefastenergroupcentroid.

9.4.3 Bearing Design of Eccentric Shear Joints


181B

In Figure923theeccentricloadF,canberesolvedtothecentroidofthefastenergroupasaforceFQand
1184H

amomentMQ=FQe(whereeistheeccentricityofloading).EachfastenerexperiencesaloadduetoF(ina
directionparalleltoit)andaloadduetoMactinginadirectionperpendiculartoalinepassingthrough
thatfastenerscentreandthecentroidofthefastenergroup.

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TheexternallyappliedshearforceFQcanthenbedistributedamongstthefastenersproportionallytotheir
shearareasaccordingto,
Asha ,i FQ
FQ ,i m
[9.4.3]

A
j 1
sha , j

whereAsha,iistheshankareaoftheithfastener,andmisthetotalnumberoffasteners.
Similarly, the applied moment MQ can be distributed amongst the fasteners proportionally to their
bearingandshearareasandtotheirdistancefromthecentroidaccordingto,
[9.4.4]
A r
FM ,i
m
sha ,i c ,i
MQ

Asha , j rc , j
2

j 1
rc,iisthedistanceoftheithfastenerfromthecentroid.
The force vectors resulting from Equation [9.4.3] act parallel to the externally applied shear load. The
1185H

force vectors resulting from Equation [9.4.4] act perpendicularly to the moment arm from the fastener
1186H

group centroid to the relevant fastener. The shear load acting on each fastener is determined by the
vectorialadditionofthesetwoforces.
Equation [9.4.4] uses the fastener shank areas (Asha,i) as the weighting factor for the load division.
1187H

However,insomecasesthebearingareaandfastenerstiffnessmayalsobesignificant(e.g.forgroupsof
dissimilar fasteners or when the flange thickness is not constant). In such cases it is recommended to
replacethearea,Asha,i,withthestrengthofthefastenerholepair,whichisgivenby,

FQ ,ult ,i min FQ ,br ,i , FQ , sha ,i [9.4.5]
whereFbr,iistheultimatebearingstrengthoftheithhole(calculatedusingSubsection 9.3.4)andFb,iisthe
1188H

ultimateshearstrengthoftheithfastener(calculatedusingSubsection 9.3.2). 1189H

Usingtheshearforceresultingfromequation[9.4.3],therelevantmarginsofsafetyshouldbecalculated
foreachfasteneraccordingthecompletesetofbearingjointanalysismethodsinSection 9.3. 1190H

AworkedexampleofeccentricbearingjointsisgiveninSubsection9.8.

9.4.4 Friction Grip Design of Eccentric Shear Joints


182B

9.4.4.1 Overview
332B

In a friction grip joint the load is transmitted between the flanges via frictional forces at the clamped
interstice.Hence,therotationalslipresistanceisneededtoestimatetheloadingcapacityofthejoint.This
iscalculatedinReference 9.2byassumingthattheslippingmovementisaboutaninstantaneouscentreof
1191H

rotation.Thelocationofthecentreofrotationdependsonthefastenerpatternandthelineofactionofthe
appliedload,asillustratedin Figure925. 1192H

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CENTRE OF
ROTATIONAL
SLIPPING
CENTROID OF
FASTENER
GROUP

Figure925ShearResistanceRelativetotheCentreofRotation

Itisassumedthat,attheonsetofslipping,themagnitudesallfastenershearloadsareequal.Thus,theslip
resistingforcetransmittedbyfasteneriisgivenby;

S r ,i S r [9.4.6]
m
whereSristheoverallslipresistanceofthejointascalculatedfromEquations [9.2.1], [9.2.2]or [9.2.3],
1193H 1194H 1195H

(seeSection9.2.).
It is also assumed that, at the onset of slipping, each fastener carries a reaction force in a direction
perpendiculartotheradiallineemanatingfromthecentreofrotation(see Figure925).Theangleofthe
1196H

radiallineisgivenby;
yi y0 [9.4.7]
i tan 1
xi x0
wherexiandyiarethecoordinatesoffasteneriandx0andy0arethecoordinatesofthecentreofrotation,
whichcanbefoundbytheiterativeprocessdescribedbelowinParagraph 9.4.4.2. 1197H

9.4.4.2 333BDetermination of the Centre of Rotation


A trial centre of rotation is chosen and used as the origin for X and Y axes. Then the following three
equilibriumequationsarechecked;
m [9.4.8]
Sr
m
sin( ) 0 (forceequilibriuminXdirection)
i 1
i

m [9.4.9]
Sr
m
cos( ) F
i 1
i Q 0 (forceequilibriuminYdirection)

m [9.4.10]
Sr
FQ (e r0 )
m
sin( ) 0 (momentequilibriumaboutr )
i 1
i 0

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where i isafunctionoftheassumedcentreofrotation.

Asuitableiterativealgorithmshouldthenbeusedtofindacentrepointthatsatisfiesallthreeequations.
Duetosymmetry,thecentreofrotationforthefastenergroupshownin Figure925liesonaline,which
1198H

is perpendicular to the externally applied load and passing through the centroid of the fastener group.
Therefore,inthatcase,thesearchforthecentreofrotationonlyneedsvariationofoneparameter.Ifthe
fastenerpatternisnonsymmetric(withrespecttotheappliedload),thelocationofthecentreofrotation
isunknowninboththeXandYdirections.

9.5 Worked Examples


62B

9.5.1 Shear Loaded Joint Example


183B

Thisexamplecalculationusesthejointdefinedinthejointshownin Figure926.
1199H

FA/2 FA/2

FQ FQ

FA/2 FA/2

Figure926Shearloadedjointexample

Thefrictioncoefficientattheinterfacebetweentheflanges,
s =0.3
Thestrengthofthisstructureisverifiedonlybyanalysis.Thesafetyfactorforyieldsfyandultimateloads
sfultisreadfrom Table54.Thevalueisthenmultipliedwiththejointfittingfactor1.15.:
1200H

sfy=1.25x1.15=1.4375
sfult=2x1.15=2.3
In addition to the axial load of Section 7.14, the joint is also subject to a shear load. Thus, the loads to
whichthisjointissubjectedareasfollows:
FA =1000N
FQ =1000N

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Thejointisfirstcheckedforitsfrictiongripcapacity.Thisisdonebycalculatingthemarginofsafetyon
slippingusingEquation [9.2.6].Thereisonlyoneintersticeinthisjointsox=1.
1201H

F 1 e ,n FA s x 4819 1 0.132 1000 0.3 1 0.485


MoS slip
V , min

FQ sf ult 1000 2.3


The MoS for slipping is below zero, therefore the joint should be reanalysed as a bearing joint.
Alternatively, if the joint has multiple fasteners, MoSslip could be recalculated with the average preload
FV,av.
Therefore,themarginsofsafetyonfastenershearloadsaredeterminedforyieldandultimateusingthe
theoryofSubsection 9.3.2.First,thefastenersstrengthutilisationratiosaredeterminedusingequations
1202H

[9.3.710],
F n FA sf y 12553 0.132 1000 1.4375 0.667
R A, y
V , max

y AS 950 20.12

F n FA sf ult 12553 0.132 1000 2.3 0.581


R A,ult
V , max

ult AS 1100 20.12


FQ sf y 1000 1.4375
RQ , y 0.130
y AS 548 20.12

FQ sf ult 1000 2.3


RQ ,ult 0.175
ult AS 655 20.12
Since the thread is in the shear plane of the joint, equations [9.3.3&4] should be used to calculate the
combinedstressutilisationratios,

Rcomb , y R A, y RS , y 0.667 2 0.130 2 0.680


2 2

Rcomb ,ult R A,ult RS ,ult 0.5812 0.175 2 0.61


2 2

Thus,theMoSonfastenerfailurecanbecalculatedusingequations[9.3.13&14],
1 1
MoS comb , y 1 1 0.471
Rcomb , y 0.680

1 1
MoS comb,ult 1 1 0.650
Rcomb,ult 0.606
Next,thestrengthofbothflangesshouldbecheckedforholebearingandshearout.Bothflangesconsist
ofAA7075T7351.
Forflange1;
Thicknesst1=2mm
HolediameterDh=6.5mm
Edgedistanceratioal/Dh=16/6.6=2.46

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Thatisabove2.0,sothebearingstrengthofthematerialisthevaluefortheedgedistanceratioof2.0.The
marginsofsafetyonholebearingisanalysedforflange1arecalculatedusingequations[9.3.23&24],
brg , y , 2.0 d t1 613 6 2
MoS brg , y 1 1 4.12
FQ sf y 1000 1.4375

brg ,ult , 2.0 d t1 882 6 2


MoS brg ,ult 1 1 3.60
FQ sf ult 1000 2.3
Forflange2;
Thicknesst2=3mm
HolediameterDh=6.5mm
Edgedistanceratioal/Dh=12/6.5=1.85
The edge distance ratio is less than 2.0 so the bearing allowables can be found by linear interpolation
betweenthevalueforal/Dh=1.5andal/Dh=2.0,
al Dh 1.5
brg , y ,1.85 brg , y ,1.5 brg , y , 2.0 brg , y ,1.5
0.5

524
1.85 1.5 613 524
0.5

586.3 MPa
al Dh 1.5
brg ,ult ,1.85 brg ,ult ,1.5 brg ,ult , 2.0 brg ,ult ,1.5
0.5

689
1.85 1.5 882 689
0.5

824.1 MPa
Now,themarginsofsafetyonholebearingforflange2are,

brg , y ,1.85 d t1 586.3 6 3


MoS brg , y 1 1 6.34
FQ sf y 1000 1.4375

brg ,ult ,1.85 d t 2 824.1 6 3


MoS brg ,ult 1 1 5.45
FQ sf ult 1000 2.3
Finally,theMoSforflangeshearoutshouldbecalculatedusingequation[9.3.27],
Forflange1;
2 ult al t1 2 262 16 2
MoS SO 1 6.29
FQ sf ult 1000 2.3

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Forflange2;

2 ult al t 2 2 262 12 3
MoS SO 1 7.20
FQ sf ult 1000 2.3

9.5.2 184BNet Tension Section Failure Example


Thisexampleisbasedontheshearjointin Figure927.Theshearloadis50kNandthematerialultimate
1203H

stressis427MPa.

Figure927ShearJointExampletoShowtheMethodofNetTensionSection
Calculation

Inspectionofthejointshowsthreepotentialfracturepathsacrossthejoint;ABDF,ABCDFandABCEG.
The summed hole areas for each potential failure path across a flange are calculated using equation
[9.3.19],
ABDF:

12 2
Aholes 12.5 6 1 1 25 6 (1.00 0.88) 141mm
2

4 50 6

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ABCDF:

0 0

0 0

32 2
20 2

12.5 6 1 1 .00 0.33) 100mm 2 AB
4 25 6 4 25 6
Aholes 1 25 6 (1 . 00 0


CEG:

0 0

0 0

32 2
20 2

12.5 6 1 1 .00 0.55) 116.5mm 2
4 25 6 4 (25 12) 6
Aholes 1 25 6 (1 . 00 0


ThelargestvalueofAholesis141mm2,whichoccursforfailurepathABDF.
Thesmallestnettensionsectionisnowcalculatedwithequation[9.3.19],
Anet ,min Agross max(Aholes)= 100 12.5 141 =1109mm2
Theproportionofnetsectionlostbyholesiscalculatedwithequation[9.3.20],

d 2 6 0.12
W 100
The reduction factor for ultimate strength in the net tension section is now found using the graph in
Figure914.Forthematerialtype1.Paragraph 9.3.3.2showsthatthereductionfactorKRisfoundtobe
1204H 1205H

approximately0.9.
Themarginofsafetyonnettensionsectionfailurecannowbecalculatedusingequation[9.3.21],
K R ult Anet ,min 0.9 427e 6 1109e 6
MoS Q ,net 1 1 6.09
FQ sf ult 50000 1.4

9.5.3 Eccentric Shear Bearing Joint Example


185B

ThisexampleistakenfromReference 9.1.Thisexampleconsidersaneccentricshearloadactingonthe
1206H

groupofsixsymmetricfastenersshownin Figure928. 1207H

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Figure928OffsetLoadsonFastenerGroups

The centroid of the group (marked CG in Figure 928) is determined by symmetry. The fasteners all
1208H

havethesamebearingandshearareas,therefore,relativelysimplecalculationscanbemadetodetermine
theshearloadsonthefasteners,

20000
Horizontalloadoneachfastener: N
6
10000
Verticalloadoneachfastener: N
6
MomentatCG: 10000 0.075 =750Nm
Loadduetomomentonfastenersb,c,eandd:

0.04272 AB 750
=4134N
(4 AB 0.04272 2 ) (2 0.015 2 AB )
Loadduetomomentonfandg:
0.015 AB 750
=1452N
(4 AB 0.04272 2 ) (2 0.015 2 AB )

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The force components for each fastener are shown in Figure 929 For more complex fastener group
1209H

geometryequation[9.4.3]wouldbeneeded.

Figure929Vectoradditionofthefastenerloads

Itcanbeseenbyinspectionthatfastenercisthecriticalfastener,sinceallcomponentsofforceactinthe
samequadrant(downwardstotheright).Nowthatthemosthighlyloadedfastenerhasbeendetermined,
themarginsofsafetyforbearingjointsshouldbecalculatedaccordingtoSection8.3.

9.6 References
63B

9.1
1210H LEEH.M. ShearJointCapabilityVersusBoltClearance,NASATM108378

9.2
1211H BAe Structural Design Data Handbook, British Aerospace Dynamics
Group,Filton,1985

9.3
1212H DOT/FAA/ARMMPDS Metallic Materials Properties, Development and Standardization,
01 Office of Aviation Research, Washington, D.C. 20591 (supersedes
MILHDBK5)

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10
Low Duty Joints
11B

10.1 Introduction
64B

Previoussectionshavedealtwithjointsthatdesignedprimarilyforstrengthcriteria.Therearehowever
cases where the joint has to be modified to meet other criteria. These cases usually results in low duty
(lowstressed)joints.Thesejointsmaybeassumedthattobestrongenoughprovidedtheexternalloadon
the joint does not exceed a threshold value. Low duty joints do not normally need detailed strength
checksaswereshowninprevioussections.Section 10.4describesthethresholdloadingthatdetermines
1213H

whetherornotajointislowduty.

10.2 Low Duty Joint Design Guidelines


65B

10.2.1 Overview
186B

Lowdutyjointscanresultfromconsiderationofthefollowingdesignrequirements:
Insertpulloutstrength(sandwichpanelconstructions)
Jointthermalconductivity
Jointelectricalconductivity
Handlingsize
Stiffness
Tolerancing
Redundancy(failsafe)
Eachoftheseisexpandedinthefollowingsubsections.

10.2.2 Insert Pull out Strength


187B

Threaded inserts (Reference 10.1) in sandwich panels are normally potted into the panel (see Figure
1214H 1215H

101).Generallytheshearstrengthoftheinsertishighbutitspulloutstrengthislow.ForanM4insert,
typicalshearandpulloutstrengthsare2kNand0.4kNrespectively.Thislimitstheloadstransmittedby
the joint to be substantially less than the tensilestrength of a steel M4 fastener, whichisapproximately
11kN.Therefore,itcanbeassumedthatthecriticalfailuremodeofthejointisinsertpullout.

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Figure101TypesofInsertsUsedinHoneycombPanels

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10.2.3 Joint Thermal Conductivity
188B

Jointthermalconductivityisadesignrequirementforcertainspaceapplications.Acommonexampleis
electronicsboxesforwhichitisnecessarytoconductmostoftheheatgeneratedinternallyawayintothe
mountingstructure.Thisneedsagoodthermalconductivityatthebaseofthebox,whichisbestachieved
with large stiff mounting surfaces, good surface finishes, high interface pressures and, if necessary,
conductive gaskets. Additionally, mountings can be necessary for extra thermal paths to conduct heat
awayfromlocalhotspots.
The interstices between clamped parts have lower thermal conductivity than the surrounding material.
Therefore,whendesigningitemssuchasequipmentboxes,itiscommonpracticetomakethemounting
feetintegralwiththebody,inordertominimizethenumberofintersticesinthethermalpath.
Table 101 lists the thermal conductivity across joints with a variety of materials, surface finishes and
1216H

interfacepressures.

Table101ThermalConductivityofMaterials
Material Surfacefinish Contactpressure Contactconductivity
[m] [kPa] [W/(mK)]
Aluminium2024T3 0.1521.65 13.82.41 114738
Aluminium2024T4 0.305 3176719 66434600
Aluminium2024T4 0.2031.27 1.248531 118021400
Aluminium2024T6 0.2031.52 677870 15603230
Aluminium2024T6 0.0760.228 1.38138 2841830
Aluminium2024T6 0.381343 1386615 34017000
BerylliumCRGrade 0.0510.102 3657939 26114800
Brass 0.2540.862 1386547 5687260
CopperETP(Hard) 0.2540.762 13.8152 2272270
CopperOFHC 0.1520.203 4488118 166090500
MgAlloyAZ31 0.8891.14 13.8241 114709
Stainlesssteel302 0.3050.508 13.8138 74415
Stainlesssteel416 1.573.81 551396475 425068100
Stainlesssteel174PH 0.4323.43 2766891 1707380
Anexamplecalculationincludingamethodtoestimatethethermalconductivityofajointisgivenatthe
endofthissection(seeSection 12.6).
1217H

10.2.4 Joint Electrical Conductivity


189B

The requirements for good electrical conductivity are similar to those for thermal conductivity. The
necessaryinterfaceareaisnormallysmall.Thus,asinglesmallfastener,properlypreloaded,andstandard
washer generally provide adequate clamping force and sufficiently low electrical contact resistance.
Typicalexamplesofthistypeofjointaregivenin Figure102.
1218H

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Figure102TypicalEarthingArrangements

10.2.5 Handling Size


190B

Thereareclearadvantagesinhandlingfastenersthathavereasonablesize.Verysmallfastenersaremore
easily dropped or damaged and assembly tends to be more time consuming when they are used.
Additionally, very small fasteners cannot be reliably torque tightened. M4 is commonly held to be the
smallest useful fastener size for general use, although other constraints may dictate the use of smaller
fasteners.Thus,lowdutyjointoftenoccurforeaseofhandlingreasons,typicalexamplesbeingarecable
andpipeclamps,see Figure103.
1219H

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Figure103TypicalLowDutyClampConnections

10.2.6 Stiffness
191B

The fastener size or number of fasteners used has a significant effect on the joint stiffness, it may also
affectthestiffnessofthemountedassembly.Forexample,byincreasingthenumberofmountingpoints
for an equipment box, its stiffness when mounted may increase, eliminating the need for complex
stiffeningstructurewithinthebox(thussavingweightandreducingcost).

10.2.7 Tolerances
192B

In order to minimise costs the tolerances should be minimised. The larger the fastener, the larger the
acceptableholeclearancewhilstmaintainingsufficientunderheadbearingarea,andhencethegreaterthe
misalignmentthatcanbeaccommodated.Thisisparticularlyimportantforlargelightweightassemblies
where the distance between the mounting hole centres may be large, hence requiring relatively large
positionaltolerancetoavoidtheneedforexcessivemanufacturingprecision.

10.2.8 Redundancy
193B

For some structures it may be deemed prudent to add additional fasteners to maintain the structural
integrityshouldafastenerfail.Thisismoreimportantinjointswithfewfastenersandhencemayleadtoa
substantialreductioninduty.

10.3 Non-Metallic Joints


66B

Low duty connections may also be found in wire wrap mounts and thermal blanket anchorages. These
connections can be done without high clamping loads and, in the case of thermal blankets, metals are
undesirableduetotheirhighconductivity.Asaresult,plasticjointmembersandfastenersinconjunction
withadhesivesareoftenused.Thesetypesofconnectionsareconsideredtobebeyondthescopeofthis
guidelinesdocument.

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10.4 Low Duty Threshold


67B

Intheabsenceofotherinformationitmaybeassumedthatajointisofthelowdutytypeiftheapplied
joint load, either shear or axial, is less than 20% of the 0.2% proof load of the fastener, in the
correspondingloadingdirection.
Thisassumesthatthefastenerwillbepreloadedto75%ofyieldstressalthoughinsomecircumstancesthe
preloadwilldiffer,inwhichcasetheexternalloadlimitmaybechanged.

10.5 Example: Low Duty Thermal Joint


68B

10.5.1 Overview
194B

Thisexampleconsiderstheequipmentboxshownin Figure104.
1220H

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Figure104EquipmentMountingBoxGeometry

Theboxistooperateinaspaceenvironmentasfollows:
Massincludingcontents:5kg
Fastenersizetobeused:M4
Maximumacceleration:20gintothebaseofthebox.
Heattobedissipated:5W
Maximumallowableequipmenttemp:70C
Maximumambienttemp:450C
Pulloutstrengthofinsertjoints:400N
Shearoutstrengthofinsertjoints:2kN
Boxandpanelmaterial:Aluminium2024T4
Feetdimensions:30mmx20mmx3mmthick

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10.5.2 Initial Assumptions
195B

Thefeetoftheboxeachhaveasinglefastenerloadedto65%ofyield.Thefourfastenersexperiencethe
followingtensileforcesduetotheboxsinertiaunderacceleration:
Inertiaforce=massxacceleration=5x20x9.81=981N
Therefore,theloadperfasteneris981/4=245N
AnM4x0.7fastenerwith8.8gradesteelhasthefollowingproperties:

Nominaldiameter(d) 4mm
Pitch(p) 0.7mm
Yieldstrength( y ) 640MPa

d2(Equation[4.4.?]) 3.545mm
d3(Equation[4.4.?]) 3.141mm
ds(Equation[4.4.?]) 3.343mm
As(Equation[4.4.?]) 8.779mm2

Theyieldloadofthefasteneriscalculatedwiththestressarea,
Fy y d s 640 8.779 5619 N,
Theappliedloadtothefastenerisonly4.3%ofthisyieldstrength.Therefore,lowdutycriteriaapply(see
Section 10.4)sonofurtherstrengthchecksneedtobeperformedforthefastener.
1221H

Theloadactingontheinsertsisbelowtheirpulloutstrength.

10.5.3 Thermal Conductivity


196B

The thermal conductivity of the joint is assessed using the theory in Subsection 10.2.3, and with an
1222H

empiricalmethoddiscussedbelow.
Thepreloadinthefastenersis65%oftheyieldload,

FV 0.65 5619 =3652N


Thefootinterfacepressureiscalculatedwiththefollowingequation:
FV 3652
Pfoot 5479MPa
A foot 30 20
TheconductanceacrosstheintersticebetweenthefeetandthepanelisfirstcalculatedfromTable10.5.1.
Forthecaseofaluminium2024T4withacontactpressureintherange1.24kPa8.531MPatheinterstice
hasacontactconductivityof1.1821.4kW/(m2K)maybeexpected.Theworstcase(lowest)inthisrange
isusedforthesecalculations,i.e.1.18kW/(cm2K).Thus,theconductancethroughthefourinstersticesis,
C1 1180 0.03 0.02 4 =2.832W/K
Theconductanceacrossthebasecanalsobecalculatedbyanempiricalmethodusing,,

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C1 0.05 N 20 Abase 0.05 4 20 0.03 0.02 4 0.3 0.3 2.014W/K

The conductance calculated by the first method is considered more accurate since it is based on the
contactpressure.
The lateral conductance, C2, is 0 assumed to be 0.3 W/K, which is the recommended value for internal
honeycombpanels.
Thetotalconductancebetweentheequipmentboxandthepaneliscalculatedby,
1 1
C
1 1
C C 2
12.834 10.3 0.271 W/K
1

Theconductionfromequipmenttothenominalenvironmentisnowcalculatedby,

Q=C(TTenv)= 0.271 70 45 =6.78W

Thisishigherthanthe5Wthatisrequired.Therefore,thejointdesignissatisfactory.

10.6 References
69B

10.1.1 ECSSEHB3222
1223H InsertDesignHandbook

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11
Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics of
12B

Fasteners

11.1 Introduction
70B

This section is intended to give the designer a broad understanding of Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics
analysisoffasteners,presentinghandcalculationmethodssuitableforpreliminarydesignpurposesonly.
The areas of fatigue and fracture mechanics are very much interrelated, in many cases, the relevant
analysis tasks are complementary but usually a fracture critical item is designed to only one of these
methods.
The differences between fatigueand fracture mechanicsanalyses arein theirbasic philosophies;fatigue
estimates the life to failure of an uncracked item while fracture mechanics calculates whether or not a
crackofagivensizewillpropagateinacatastrophicmannerunderserviceloading.
Ingeneral,threadedfastenerjointsshouldbeverifiedforadequatefatigue.Fastenersthatareofaerospace
quality and design that are used on a single mission (i.e. nonreusable items) are generally not fatigue
criticalsincetheyarenotsubjecttosignificantcyclicloadingotherthanlaunchandacceptancetesting.
Potentially fracture critical joints should be designed in accordance with ECSS_E_ST3201 Fracture
Control (Reference 11.1). The current issue states that shear bearing joints are not fracture critical,
1224H

whereas joints where the fasteners in tension or combined tension and bending are potential fracture
criticalitemsandrequiresthattheyarethesubjectsofeitherFailSafeorSafeLifeanalyses.
WherepossibleitisrecommendedthatthelatestversionoftheapprovedESA/NASAcomputerprogram
be used. The current version is ESACRACK, which incorporates ESALOAD, NASGRO and ESAFATIG
(seeReferences 11.2, 11.3and 12.4).
1225H 1226H 1227H

11.2 Fastener Fatigue


71B

11.2.1 Fundamentals
197B

Fatigue failure occurs in a material under the cumulative effect of a number of cycles of alternating,
repeatedorvaryingstresses(usuallytensile)ofalevellowerthanthemaximumstaticfailure(oryield)
stress.Suchfailuresoccurduetoprogressiveextensionofamicrocrackinitiatingatthepointofhighest
stressinalocalstressfield.

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The initial speed of extension of the crack is dependent on the crack propagation properties of the
material and the applied loading cycle. Eventually a point of rapid and unstable crack growth occurs
resultinginultimatefailureofthefastener.
Thenumberofcyclestofailuredecreasesastherangeofalternatingstressincreases.Forsomematerials
an indefinitely long crack free life may be expected provided that the range of alternating stress is
sufficientlylow.However,somematerials(suchasAluminiumalloy)havenofatiguelimit,althoughthe
slopeathighvaluesofNbecomesverylow.Atypicalalternatingstressversesnumberofcyclestofailure
(SN)curveisshownin Figure111.
1228H

Figure111TypicalFatigueCurveatConstantMeanStress

Anincreaseofthemeanstresslevelreducesthealternatingstressthatcausesfailure. Figure112showsa
1229H

typicalconstantamplitudeloadingand Figure113showstheeffectofchangedmeanstress.
1230H

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Figure112TypicalConstantAmplitudeLoading

Figure113TypicalStressRatioMeanStressDiagram

Provided the combination of alternating and mean stresses does not exceed the fastener yield stress, a
high initial preload is beneficial to the fatigue resistance of the joint. This is illustrated in Figure 114.
1231H

Even very high tensile stresses, which cause plastic deformation at local stress concentrations, can be
beneficial.Plasticdeformationresultsinresidualcompressivestresses,whichreducetheeffectivestress.
TheESAFATIGsoftware(Reference 11.5)containsspecificfastenerdata.
1232H

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Figure114TypicalPreloadEffectsonFatigueLifeofFasteners
(takenfromreference 11.4)
1233H

11.2.2 Palmgren Miner rule


198B

All cyclic stresses above the fatigue threshold level give rise to permanent fatigue damage. Damage
accumulates whether there is continuous load variation or whether there are single cycles separated by
longperiodsoftime.Equaldamagemayarisefromasmallnumberofhighstresscyclesoralargenumber
oflowstresscycles.ThisisbestenvisagedusingtheSNcurve Figure111.
1234H

Itisnormallyassumedthatwhenthesumtotalofthefractionaldamageatallstresslevelsreachesunity,
failurewilloccur.
ThemathematicalexpressionoftheaboveconceptisknownasthePalmgrenMinerLinearcumulative
damage rule. A scatter factor of 4 is typically applied to fatigue damage to allow for uncertainty in the
fatigue analysis (see Reference 12.4). Thus, for fatigue resistant design, it is necessary to satisfy the
1235H

followinginequality,
f 4 1 [11.2.1]
wherefisthetotalfatiguedamageand isthefatiguedamage.

Thefatiguedamage isgivenby,
m
ni
[11.2.2]
i 1 N f ,i
whereniisthenumberofcyclesthathaveoccurredataparticularmeanandalternatingstress,Nf,iisthe
numberofcyclestofailureatthesamestresscondition,andmisthenumberofstressconditionsthatthe
jointissubjectedto.

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11.2.3 Fatigue Design Principles
199B

11.2.3.1 Overview
334B

Anyfactorsthataffectstresswillaffectfatiguelife.Suchfactorsgiverisetothebasicdesignprinciplesas
listedinthefollowingparagraphs.

11.2.3.2 Static and Dynamic Loading


335B

Appropriatejointdesigncangreatlyreducetheexternalloadsfeltbythefastenersandincreasethelifeof
the joint. Any features of the design that increase the fastener compliance or decrease clamped parts
compliance will have a similar effect, e.g. smaller diameter, longer, or reduced shank bolts. For more
informationon fastener compliance refer to Section 7.5. The choice of fastener material can also have a
1236H

significantimpact.Thejointdiagramin Figure115illustratesthatatitaniumfastenerwithhalftheelastic
1237H

modulusofasteelfastenerfeelsonlyhalfoftheexternalload( Fb , A /2). Figure116comparesthefatigue


1238H

performanceofM8fastenersmadefromthetwomaterialsoperatingatameanstressof0.75 y .

2 Fb , A (STEEL)
2 Fb , A
(TITANIUM)

FV
FA
AXIAL FA
LOAD

AXIAL DEFLECTION

Figure115JointDiagramComparingSteelandTitaniumFasteners

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Figure116TypicalFatigueComparison

11.2.3.3 Fastener Geometry and Manufacturing


336B

Preferably, fasteners that are designed to reduce the stress concentrations should be specified. Features
such as large under head radius, large thread root radius and close tolerance threads should all be
incorporated.
Rolledthreadsshouldbespecified,andinparticular,threadrollingandcoldworkingoftheunderhead
radius should be carried out as the final manufacturing operation to guarantee beneficial compressive
stresses.

11.2.3.4 Assembly Methods


337B

Preloadisthemostimportantjointparameterinresistingexternalloads(seeSection 6).Hencethemost
1239H

accuratepreloadingmethod(appropriatetotheassembly)shouldbeused,togetherwithadrylubrication
systemthatgivesthemostconsistent(ratherthanthelowest)frictionconditions.
Prevailingtorqueshouldbemeasuredduringeachassemblyoperationandthattorqueshouldbeadded
tothetorquespecifiedforpreloading.

11.2.3.5 Surface Finish Defects and Other Damage


338B

ItisimportanttopayspecialattentiontosurfacefinishandNonDestructiveInspection(NDI)procedures
forfracturecriticalfasteners.Fatiguelifecanbegreatlyreducedbyflaws,scratchesorabrasionsarising
eitherduringmanufacturingorwhileinservice.

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Other effects that should be considered are differential thermal stresses, stress corrosion and fretting
underload.

11.3 Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics


72B

11.3.1 The Stress Intensity Factor


200B

FractureMechanicstheoryisstillunderdevelopmentandanumberofdifferentapproachescanbefound
intheliterature.Themostwellestablishedandusefulconceptisthestressintensityfactor,aparameter
usedtocharacterisethestressdistributionaroundacracktip.
ThestressintensityisthebasisofLinearElasticFractureMechanics(LEFM)theory,whichappliesincases
ofplanestrainsuchasaradialcrackpropagatingfromafastenerthreadroot.
FromReference 11.6,thestressintensityfactorisgivenby,
1240H

KI a F [11.3.1]
whereKIisthestressintensityfactorforthetensileopeningmode(asopposedtoKIIandKIIIfortheshear
and torsion crack opening modes), is the gross axial fastener stress (calculated using the fasteners
nominalcrosssectionalarea,A),aisthecracklengthmeasuredradiallyintothebolt,andFisthestress
intensitycorrectionfactor(accountsforthegeometryandlocationofthecrack).
TodevelopanLEFManalysisusingEquation [11.3.1]itisassumedaninitialcracklength,a0,eitherfrom
1241H

knowledgeoftheinitialcracksizeorfromanestimationofthelargestcrackthatcouldescapedetection
with the relevant NDI techniques. The equation can be used to calculate the stress intensity factor for a
cracked component, and allows estimation of either the critical static stress corresponding to the crack
length,ortheinstantaneousstressintensityfordynamicloadingcrackgrowthanalysis.

11.3.2 The Stress Intensity Correction Factor


201B

11.3.2.1 Overview
339B

In a fastener subjected to both tensile and bending loads the correction factor for stress intensity factor
shouldbecalculatedby,
K I a 0 F0 1 F1 [11.3.2]

where 0 and 1 arethetensileandbendingcomponentsofthenormalstressatthecracklocation(see


Paragraph 11.3.2.2 below), and, F0 and F1 are that amplification factors specific to the tensile and
1242H

bendingstressfieldsrespectively.
Thefollowingthreetypesofcracksaremostlikelytooccurinfasteners:
circumferentialcrackatthethread(mostlikelyinfastenerswithcutthreads),
thumbnail crack at the thread (most likely in fasteners with rolled threads loaded in bending), and
thumbnailcracksatthefilletunderthefastenerhead

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The ESCRACK/NASGRO software calculates stress intensity factors for these and other crack types,
including those mentioned above. The following paragraphs briefly describe the theory adopted by
ESCRACK/NASGRO.

11.3.2.2 340B Components of Local Stress


InEquation [11.3.2]thetensileandbendingcomponentsofthelocalbendingstressatthecrackaregiven
1243H

by,
4 Fb
0 [11.3.3]
d local 2

and,
32 M b
1 [11.3.4]
d local 3

where Fb is the tensile force in the fastener, Mb is the bending moment in the fastener, and dlocal is the
assumedlocaldiameterofthefasteneratthecracklocation,whichiseither:
dforcircumferentialcracks,or
d3forthumbnailcracks

11.3.2.3 341B Circumferential Cracks around the Thread


Figure 117 shows the assumed stress distributions (left) and geometry (right) of the
1244H

ESACRACK/NASGROmodelforcircumferentialfastenercracks.

0 1

dd =Majordiameter
= Major diameter
h=Threaddepth
h = Thread depth
a = d + crack depth
a=d+crackdepth
and
00 and 11 basedond
based on d
h
d 32M bb
11 3
d3


Figure117ESACRACKModelofaCircumferentialCrack

The following equations are used by ESACRACK/NASGRO to determine the stress intensity correction
factorsforcircumferentialcracksinthefastenerthread:

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G0
F0 3
[11.3.5]
2
k
where;

G0 =0.5+0.25k+0.1875k0.1815k+0.3655k4,
k=12a/d,
And,

r [11.3.6]
F1 G1 3

r
where;
G1 =0.375(1+0.5r+0.375r2+0.3125r3+0.2734r4+0.531r5)
r=(d2a)/d

11.3.2.4 Thumbnail Cracks at the Thread Root


342B

Figure 10.3.2 shows the assumed stress distributions (left) and geometry (right) of the
ESACRACK/NASGROmodelforthumbnailfastenercracks.

0 1

d = Major diameter 0 and 1 based on d


h = Thread depth
32M b
a = Crack depth
d3 d 1
2c = Crack arc length
a/c = 1.0
d3

Figure118ESACRACKModelofaThumbnailCrack

Forthistypeofcrack,thestressintensitycorrectionfactorsfortension(F0)andbending(F1)areshownin
Table111(fromReference 11.3).
1245H 1246H

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Table111StressIntensityFactorsforThumbnailCrackinaFastenerThread
TensionCorrectionFactor(F0) BendingCorrectionFactor(F1)
a/d a/c=0.645 a/c=1.0 a/c=0.645 a/c=1.0
0.0 Kt f x 1.00 Kt f x 0.60

0.05 0.84 0.54


0.1 0.95 0.76 0.61 0.48
0.2 0.90 0.65 0.54 0.37
0.3 0.98 0.59 0.55 0.31
0.4 1.29 0.62 0.64 0.30
0.5 2.05 1.0 0.84 0.50

Fora/d=0.05interpolationshouldbeused.
For the case of no crack (i.e. a/d = 0) the stress intensity correction factor is determined by the stress
concentrationfactorKt,whichcanbeinterpolatedfrom Table112,andanextrafactor,fx,whichisgiven
1247H

by,
1.65 2

1
[11.3.7]
1 1.464
a
for
a
1
c c
fx
1.65 2
1
a a
1 1.464 for 1
c c

Table112StressConcentrationFactorsataFastenerMinorDiameter
r/d .005 .01 .015 .02 .025 .03 .035 .04 .045 .05.
Kt 10.8 7.89 6.55 5.73 5.17 4.77 4.48 4.19 3.97 3.79


r/d .055 .06 .065 .07 .075 .08 .085 .09 .095 .10
Kt 3.63 3.49 3.37 3.26 3.16 3.07 2.97 2.91 2.84 2.78

11.3.2.5 Thumbnail Crack at Fillet Under Fastener Head


343B

Figure119showsthistypeofcrack.
1248H

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Figure119ESACRACKModelofaFilletCrackunderaFastenerHead

Thestressintensityfactorsforthistypeofcrackarecalculatedasforathumbnailcrackatthethreadroot
inParagraph 11.3.2.4aboveexceptthefollowingadditionalassumptionsaremade:
1249H

Foramachinedfilleta/c=0.645
Forarolledfilleta/c=1.0
r/d=0.1
Fora/d=0thestressconcentrationfactorof2.78isused
Fora/d=0.05smoothinterpolationisused

11.3.3 Crack Growth Calculations


202B

Topredictsafelifeforaparticularfracturecriticalfasteneritisnecessarytoassumeaninitialcracksize,
calculatethestressintensityatthefirstloadcycle,calculatethechangeincracklengthduetothatcycle
andthencalculateanewstressintensity.Comparisonofthiswiththecriticalvalueforthematerial,KICor
KISCC,willdetermineiffailurewilloccur.Ifnot,thenextcyclecanbecalculatedandtheprocessrepeated
untilthecriticalcracklengthisreached.
Asthisprocessmayextendoverthousandsofcyclesitisgenerallybeyondthescopeofhandcalculations
andtheuseofcomputerbasedmethodssuchasESACRACK/NASGROareadvised.

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11.3.4 Corrosion Considerations
203B

The principal means by which corrosion affects the fatigue life is the formation of pits, which create
geometricstressconcentrationsinthesameareasasachemicallydegradedmetallicsurface.Manyofthe
samefeaturesthataffectbasicfatiguelifearealsocorrosive.Therefore,gooddesignagainstfatiguealso
eliminatesmanypossiblecorrosionhazards.
Good fatigue performances need avoidance of stress corrosion cracking at locations in the joint where
corrosionislikely.Theeliminationofresidualtensilestress,aswellasadequatecorrosionprotectionand
thecorrectchoiceofmaterialisessential.
To give guidance on material selection References 11.3 and 11.4 classify fastener materials by their
1250H 1251H

susceptibilitytostresscorrosioncracking.Ithasbeenshownthatwithsomematerialsthereisathreshold
value, below which stress corrosion cracking will not occur. This threshold is denoted KISCC and is a
materialproperty,whichcanbemeasured.However,somematerialsdonotexhibitathresholdstressfor
stresscorrosioncracking.
It is important to note that KISCC is dependent upon the environment. Therefore, comparison between
differentmaterialsand/ordifferentenvironmentsmaynotbevalid.
Thecombinedeffectofcorrosionandfatigueisamorerapidfailurethaneitheractingalone.Thisiscalled
corrosion fatigue. The calculation of the effect of corrosion on fatigue life is not possible in the original
designcalculations.Tomakethedesigncalculationsrealisticitisessentialtoensurethatthepossibilityof
corrosionisminimisedandlatertoassesstheeffectofsalvageschemesiftheybecomenecessary.
MoreinformationoncorrosioncanbefoundinSection 13. 1252H

11.4 Worked Examples


73B

11.4.1 Fatigue of a Threaded Fastener Example


204B

11.4.1.1 Overview
344B

AcriticalthreadedfastenerjointdesignusesanM8diameterTitaniumfastenertothefollowingloading
spectrumduringeachmission:
50cyclesatastressamplitudeof160MPa
4000cyclesatastressamplitudeof50MPa
880cyclesatastressamplitudeof60MPa
300cyclesatastressamplitudeof130MPa
100cyclesatastressamplitudeof90MPa
Whatisthelifeofthefastenerinnumbersofmissions?

11.4.1.2 Analysis
345B

FromtheSNcurvein Figure116thecyclestofailureforeachspectrumblockareasfollows:
1253H

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Table113Analysisofcyclestofailure
AlternatingStress, a (MPa) CyclesperMission,n CyclestoFailure,N
160 50 103
50 4000 belowendurancelimit
60 880 5x105
130 300 7x103
90 100 8x104

FromSubsection 11.2.2,usingthePalmgrenMinerRule,thefatiguedamagepermissionisgivenby,
1254H

f 4

m
ni
4
i 1 N f ,i

50 880 300 100
4 3 5 3 4
1e 5e 7e 8e

0.37
Thefatiguelifeofthefasteneristherefore1/0.37=2.7missions.

11.4.2 Threaded Fastener Fracture Mechanics Example


205B

11.4.2.1 Problem Description


346B

AM8Titaniumfastener(TA28)isusedtoclamptogethertwo10mmthickflangesmadefromAluminium.
Theexternalaxialloadappliedtothejointis18kNandthefastenerhasa0.5mmdeepthumbnailcrackat
thefirstthreadintothenut.
Determinethestaticstrengthofthefastener.
Thefollowingassumptionsandpropertiesapply:
TheyieldstressforaTA28fasteneris1100N/mm
ThestressareaofanM8fastener=32.8mm
Thefastenerispreloadedtobetween60and65%ofyield
Thefastenerseesnobendingloads
Theflangesaresufficientlywidetoallowfullydevelopedcompressioncones
Nothermaleffectsapply

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11.4.2.2 Solution
347B

Theyieldloadofthefasteneris,
Fb , y AS y 1100 32.8 36.1 kN
Thus,themaximumfastenerpreloadis
FV ,max 0.65 36.1 23.5 kN
Nowtheforceratioiscalculated.SinceLj>2d,

Dlim 3d uh ,brg
Itisassumedforthesakeofthisexamplethattheforceratiois,
0.47
Theloadingplaneisassumedtobeatthemidpointofthejointmembers,i.e.n=0.5.
Thus,

Fb , A
n n 0.235
FA
Therefore,sinceFA= 18kN,theloadincrementinthefastenerduetotheexternalloadisgivenby,
Fb,A=18kN 0.235=4.2kN
Themaximumfastenertensileloadis,
Fb,max=FV+Fb,A=21.3kN+4.2kN=25.5kN
Thegrossaxialstressis,

Fb ,max 25.5
0 1000 777 MPa
AS 32.8
For the thumbnail crack with an initial assumed length a = 0.5mm and c = 0.5mm the stress intensity
correctionfactorfortensilestress,F0,canbereadfrom Table111tobe0.84.
1255H

Thus,thestressintensityfactorcanbecalculatedwithEquation [11.3.1],
1256H

K 1 a 0 F0 0.5 777 0.84 818 Nm 2

ForTA28fastenersatypicalvalueforthecriticalstressintensityfactor,K1C,is2780Nm 2 (seeReference
11.3),thereforetheMarginofSafetyonfastenerfractureis,
1257H

K 1C 2780
MoS 1 1 2.40
K1 818
Hence, given the assumptions in this calculation, it can be concluded that a thumbnail crack of 0.5mm
length(ordepth)willnotrepresentacriticaldefectandmaybetolerated.
Tofindthecriticaldefectsizeforthisjointitwouldbenecessarytorepeatthiscalculationforanumberof
cracklengthsuntilKICisexceededandinterpolateforthecriticallength.

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11.5 References 74B

11.1
1258H ECSSEST3201C SpaceengineeringFracturecontrol
11.2
1259H ESA ESACRACKUsersManualVersion4.2.0,2009

11.3
1260H NASA FatigueCrackGrowthComputerProgramNASGRO
2000.JSC22267B(includedinESACRACKmanual)

11.4
1261H NASA FatigueCrackGrowthComputerProgram
NASA/FLAGRO,August1986.CSC22267
11.5
1262H BROEKD. ElementaryEngineeringFractureMechanics
Norrdhof(Netherlands)1974.

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12
Preloded Fastener Installation
13B

12.1 Overview75B

This section discusses a variety of methods for controlling the preload in fasteners. For each method,
descriptions are provided for the theoretical basis of each method. Also, recommendations are given
regardingpracticallimitationsandtheexpectedlevelsofaccuracy.
Thissectionalsopresentssomeguidelinesforthepreloadeffectsthatresultfromreuseofafastenerby
subjectingtomultipletensioningcycles.

12.2 Yield Load Controlled Tightening


76B

12.2.1 Introduction
206B

Yieldloadorgradientcontrolledtighteningtechniquesarebasedonthefactthatwhentheyieldloadof
the fastener material is reached, the tightening torque, Mapp ceases to increase linearly with the angle of
rotation.Thatiswhen,

dM app
ceasestobeconstant,
d
orequivalently,
d 2 M app [12.2.1]
0
d 2

Whenthisconditionisdetected,acontrolsystemautomaticallystopsthetighteningprocess.Proprietary
fastenertighteningsystemsbasedonthisyieldcontrolledtighteningareavailableandtheyareclaimedto
reducethepreloadscattertolessthan8%.
Sinceeachfasteneristreatedasuniquebythecontrolsystem,thistechniqueislargelyindependentofthe
factors that contribute to high values of preload scatter when using other assembly methods. However,
themethodissusceptibletovariationsinthefastenersyieldstressandstresssectionarea.Variationsin
the proportions of these stresses, which might as arise due to effects such as variations in friction
conditions, will change the value of axial tensile stress at which yield occurs and hence the observed
fastenerpreload.Thisisexaminedtheoreticallybelow.

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12.2.2 Method of Operation
207B

The basis of the method is an algorithm that accurately detects the occurrence of yield in the fastener.
Typicalcurvesillustratingthesystemcharacteristicsareshownin Figure121and Figure122.Itisseen
1263H 1264H

thatthegradientofthetorquerotationcurvehasacharacteristicshapewithapeakorplateaufollowedby
a marked reduction in magnitude, to about 20 30% of the maximum value. This feature is observed
under varying friction conditions and for different joint materials and hardness. The rapid drop in
gradientcorrespondstotheonsetofyieldandprovidesthebasisonwhichyieldisdetected.
From Figure 121 it is apparent that the complete torquerotation curve includes an initial zone of low
1265H

gradient corresponding to embedding. This should be eliminated by tightening the fastener to a


predeterminedtorquebeforecommencingautomatedmeasurementofthetorquerotationgradient.

PRELOAD
APPLIED SCATTER OF FV
TIGHTENING FASTENER
TORQUE YIELD LOAD
Mtot

dM app dM app
n
d d max
dM app

d max

Figure121YieldLoadControlledTightening

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Mapp

dM app

d

Figure122TorqueandGradientValuesasaFunctionofe

Fromthispointthecontrolalgorithmisasfollows:

dM app
a. Determinethetorquerotationgradient:
d
dM app
b. Detectandstorethemaximumvalueof:
d
dM app dM app
c. Comparecurrentvalueof with
d d max
dM app dM app
d. Ceasetighteningwhen: n
d d max
Atypicalrangeofvaluesfornis0.5to0.7.

12.2.3 Preload Developed in Fastener


208B

ForyieldcontrolledtighteningtheVonMisesYieldcriterionisadopted,
v.m. V 2 3 2 y [12.2.2]

where; V and are the axial and torsional stresses at the smallest crosssection of the fastener
respectively,and y istheaxialyieldstressofthefastener.

In Equation [12.2.2] the crosssection at which the stresses are computed usually corresponds to the
1266H

threadminordiameter,d3,unlessreduceddiametershankfastenersareused,inwhichcased0shouldbe
used.
RearrangingEquation [12.2.2]yields,
1267H

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0.2 3 2 [12.2.3]
1 2
V V
Thus,
0.2 48 M th 2 [12.2.4]
1
V FV 2 d 2
whereMthisthethreadtorque(transmittedbythefastenershank),whichfromSubsection 6.4.2isgiven 1268H

by,
FV p typ [12.2.5]
M th d2
2 cos
FromEquation [12.2.4]itisclearthattheratio 0.2
1269H V isalwaysgreaterthan1,andthusthepreload
stress developed in a fastener tightened to yield, V , is less than that corresponding to the axial yield
stress, 0.2 .

SinceMthisfunctionofthethreadfrictioncoefficientvariationsinthefrictionconditionsleadtopreload
scatter.However,assuminglubricationandotherfactorsarecontrolled,thevariationisconsiderablyless
thanthatobservedfortorquetightenedfasteners.
Significant differences in preload are expected between lubricated and unlubricated fasteners. This is
illustratedin Table121where y V iscalculatedforarangeofmetricfastenersizesandlubrication
1270H

conditions.

Table121 y V foraRangeofFastenerSizesandTypicalFrictionConditions
Fastener p d d2 y V
size [mm] [mm] [mm] typ =0.10 typ =0.15 typ =0.20
M3 0.5 2.459 2.675 1.198 1.330 1.483
M3.5 0.6 2.850 3.110 1.203 1.337 1.490
M4 0.7 3.242 3.545 1.207 1.341 1.496
M5 0.8 4.134 4.480 1.191 1.321 1.472
M6 1.0 4.917 5.350 1.192 1.330 1.483
M8 1.25[2] 6.647 7.188 1.187 1.316 1.466
M10 1.5[2] 8.376 9.026 1.181 1.309 1.457
1.Assumes =30
2.ForMJfasteners,M8shouldhavep=1.0mmandM10shouldhavep=1.25mm

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12.3 Angle of Rotation Controlled Tightening


77B

12.3.1 Introduction
209B

Thismethodoftightening(alsocalledturnorthenutcontrolledtightening)isbasedonthefactthatitis
possible to stretch the fastener a prescribed amount by turning the nut or fastener a certain number of
degrees.Therefore,controlbyangleofrotationisindirectlycontrolbymeasuringtheelongation.
Themethod,althoughsimpleinconcept,isdependentonanumberofparametersspecifictoaparticular
joint.Therefore,itshouldbeconsideredanempiricalmethod.
Therearetwovariationsonthemethod:
a. Elasticrangetightening,wherethefastenerisnotplasticallydeformed.
b. Plasticrangetightening,wherethefasteneristakenbeyonditsyieldpoint.
Eachoftheseisdiscussedinthefollowingsubsections.

12.3.2 Elastic Range Tightening


210B

This variant is based on the measurement of extension occurring in the grip length of the fastener. The
effect of frictional variations is eliminated except for the effect they have on the snug torque, which
determines the starting point of angle measurement. However, this method is subject to a number of
shortcomingsrelatedtovariationsintheeffectivestiffnessofthefastener,andthejointclampedparts.
Since the part of the fasteners length is not under tension, an allowance needs to be made for the
diffusionofstressandstraininthethreadsthatareengagedtothenut.Theregionofunengagedthread
regionbelowthenutneedsalsotobeconsideredsincethishasalowereffectivecrosssectionalarea,and
hencestiffness,thantheunthreadedshank.Withoutclosedimensionalcontrolovertheshankandthread
lengthsitisimpossibletobecertainhowmanythreadswillbeinthetensilestrainregion.Furthermore,
some deformation of the nut takes place near the first few threads, adding to the uncertainty in the
elongation.
Someofthesepointsareillustratedin Figure123,whichshowsasectionthroughatypicaljointwiththe
1271H

variationofstrainalongthelengthofthefastener.Thereductioninstrainintheshankisapparentand
indicatestheimportanceofcontrollingthelengthsoftheshankandthethreadtoareasonabledegreeof
accuracyinordertopredicttheelongationofthefastenerunderload.

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Figure123VariationofStrainalongFastener

The secondimportant element in thismethod is control of the clamped parts stiffness. Compression of
the joint members and crushing of the surfaces under the fastener headand nut have to be considered.
These factors can cause significant uncertainty and may be alleviated by the use of hardened steel
washers.
Associatedwiththisaspectisnonalignmentoftheflangespriortoassembly.Themethodassumesthat
the flanges are perfectly parallel, and in close uniform contact and that there is no deflection of the
flanges. The first assumption can be ensured by specifying a snug torque to which the fastener is
tightened prior to commencing measurement of the rotation angle. This ensures that the joint faces are
effectivelyincloseuniformcontactbeforeassembly.Thesecondassumptionmaybeensuredbycareful
design,andbyconsiderationoftheeffectsofanygasketmaterialsthatmaybeincludedinthejoint.
The accuracy with which the operator can set the rotation angle depends on the accessibility of the
fastenerandhavingspecificationsthatinvolvesimplefractionalrotations(e.g.ofarevolution).

12.4 Ultrasonic Methods


78B

12.4.1 Introduction
211B

Asthefasteneristighteneditslengthincreases,changingboththetransittime(ortimeofflight)ofan
ultrasonicsignalandtheresonantfrequencyofaxialvibration.Thechangeineitherofthesecanbeused
todeterminefastenerextension.Thus,twomainultrasonicmethodsexist;
a. thetransittimesystem,inwhichthetimetakenforapulseofultrasoundtotravelfromoneendof
thefastenertotheotherandbackagainismeasured,and
b. the resonant oscillator system in which the ultrasonic resonant frequency of the fastener is
measured.
Oncethelengthofthefastenerisreliablyobtained,thepreloadcanthenbecalculatedfromitsstrain.

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12.4.2 Ultrasonic Extensometers
212B

12.4.2.1 Overview
348B

Extensometers employ a technique based on the transit time of an ultrasonic pulse traveling along the
fastenersaxis,butwithallowanceforthereductionofsonicvelocitywithincreasingstress.
Theprincipleofoperationisasfollows:
a. Apulserwithintheinstrumentshocksatransducerthatthendeliversabrief,highlydampedpulse
ofultrasoundtooneendofthefastener.
b. Thispulsetravelsdownthefastener,echoesoffthefarend,andreturnstotheoriginaltransducer.
c. Theinstrumentmeasuresandrecordsthetransittimeofthepulse.
d. The fastener is then tightened, increasing the length of the path to be covered by the signal and
decreasingthesonicvelocity.
e. Thenewincreasedtransittimeisrecorded.
f. Using this data, the instrument (typically incorporating a microprocessor) computes the total
changeintransittime,computesanddiscardsthatportionofthechangewhichresultedfromthe
changeinvelocity,andthendisplaystheactualchangeinfastenerlength.
Afurtherimportantfactor,whichhastobeconsidered,istheeffectoftemperature.Atemperaturechange
willaffectthelengthofthefastenerandthesonicvelocity.Iftemperatureofthefastenerchangesbetween
the unstressed and stressed readings its influence on length and velocity should be factored out by the
measuringequipment.
Typically, therefore, before commencing preload measurement, three factors will be set into the
instrument. These are velocity and stress factors for the fastener material and a temperature factor.
These factors should be experimentally determined, since theoretical calculation of the relationship
betweenpreloadandchangeintransittimeisnotpossible.Extensometermanufacturershavedetermined
factorsformanymaterialsandtheseareavailabletotheuser.Incaseswherethedataisnotavailable,the
instrumentcanbeusercalibratedonasampleofthefastener.Subsequentrecalibrationisusuallydoneby
meansofacalibrationblockprovidedwiththeinstrument.

12.4.2.2 Using an Ultrasonic Extensometer


349B

Aftercalibrationatypicalprocedure(Reference 12.1)fortighteningajointisasfollows:
1272H

a. Theinstrumentissetinthelengthmode.
b. Thetemperatureofthefastenertobetightenedismeasuredandtheappropriatetemperaturefactor
inputintotheinstrument.
c. An acoustic couplant such as glycerine or oil is applied to the fastener and the transducer set in
place.Thismaybeattachedtoeitherendofthefastener.
d. Theinitiallengthofthefastenerisultrasonicallymeasuredandrecordedforfuturereference.
e. Steps3and4arerepeatedforotherfastenersinthejoint.
f. Theinstrumentisswitchedtothechangeoflengthmodeandtheextensionnecessarytogivethe
desiredpreloadiscalculated.

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g. The joint is pulled together by tightening each fastener to approximately 30% of the required
preload. Torque control is commonly used for this pass. The length of the fasteners may be
monitoredattheendofthepasstoconfirmthatresultsarereasonable.
h. Additionalpassesaremade,tighteningthefastenertoahigherpercentageoftherequiredpreload.
Asmallsampleoffastenersismeasuredwiththeextensometerattheendofeachpass,buttorqueis
stillusedforcontrol.
i. The extensometer is used to control the tightening process for values of preload above, typically,
70%oftherequiredpreload.
j. It is recommended to remeasure every fastener in the joint after the final pass to monitor the
relaxationeffectssuchasembedding.

12.4.2.3 Practical Considerations


350B

Inlaboratoryconditionsinstrumentsarecapableofresolvingtobetween2.5mmand0.25mm.However,
inthefieldtheperformancemaybesignificantlyworse,byanorderofmagnitudeormore.
The accuracy to which preload can be controlled is a function of fastener length. The fastener diameter
shouldalsobetakenintoaccountifitislessthantentimesthesonicwavelength.
Asfortheanglecontrolledtighteningmethod,variationsinfastenerandjointstiffnesswillbereflectedin
preloadscatterandshouldbeconsidered.
Transducersvaryinfrequency,diameter,signalstrength,acousticdamping,etc,andatpresent,selection
isstilllargelyamatteroftrialanderror.
Goodandconsistentacousticcouplingofthetransducerisnecessary.However,itisnotpossibletocouple
allfastenerconfigurationssinceasufficientlylargemountingareashouldbeavailableforthetransducer
and the opposite end should provide a substantial signal reflection. Hexagon headed fasteners usually
workwellbutsocketheadcapscrews,maynotpermitthismethodunlesstheyarelargeenoughtoallow
the transducer to be mounted in the wrench socket, or beside it. If the transducer is too large, it may
receiveunwantedreflectionsfromtheunderheadinterstice,etc.
Fasteneridentificationmarkingscanpreventasatisfactoryacousticcouplingandmachiningofthehead
may be necessary to eliminate air, which creates acoustic impedance. Even with perfectly flat surfaces,
consistentcouplingcanbedifficulttoachieve,sincevaryingthecontactpressurebetweenthetransducer
and the fastener can significantly alter results. In critical applications, it may be necessary to accurately
controlthepressurebetweenthesurfaces,asdescribedinSection12.3.2.
Differentmaterialshavedifferenteffectsontheacousticsignalwithregardtoabsorptionandscattering.
For example, some stainless steels aregrainyand can distort the signal. The American A286 materialis
believedtocontainTitaniumplateletswithinitthatcausefalseechoesandsevereattenuation.Irregular
hardness,e.g.casehardening,canalsowarpthesignal.
The fact that preload is actually calculated from the strain needs that the length of the portion of the
fastener under tension is accurately known. This is usually not the case and therefore, the standard
methodofcalibrationcanbeinadequateincaseswhereahighdegreeofaccuracyisneeded..

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12.4.2.4 Increasing the Accuracy of Preload Measurement
351B

Although the procedures described above enable fastener preload to be controlled far more accurately
thanispossiblebytorquecontroloranglecontrolledtighteningmethods,generallythemethodsleadto
preloadscatterofgreaterthan5%.Higheraccuracycanbeachievedbymakingtwomainmodificationsto
theprocedure.
a. Increasingtherepeatabilityofthecouplingbetweenthetransducerandfastenerhead.Thiscanbe
achievedbyusingtransducersthatcanbescrewedintoatappedrecessinthehead.Bytightening
thetransducertoapredeterminedtorque,moreconsistentcouplingisachieved.Itshouldbenoted,
however,thatthefastenerswillneedtobespeciallymachinedandthetransducersmayhavetobe
speciallymade.
b. Usingadirectmethodforderivingasetofcalibrationdata,specifictothefastenersbeingused.As
mentionedpreviously,theusualmethodofcalibrationinvolvesmeasuringthefastenerextensionto
calculatepreloadwiththeinherentinaccuraciesmentionedinparagraph12.3.2.Theseinaccuracies
canbeeliminatedbymeasuringthefastenerloadandextensionrelationshipasfollows:
1. Thefastenerispassedthroughtwosmallsteelplatessandwichingasuitableloadwasher,the
totalthicknessbeingequaltothethicknessoftheclampedpartsoftherealjoint.
2. Thenutistightenedtogivevariousincrementsofpreload.
3. For each increment the preload and extension readings (given by the load washer and
ultrasonicextensometer)arerecorded.
4. Anydesiredpreloadcannowbeobtained,knowingtherequiredextensionreading.
Approximatevaluesofthecalibrationfactorsareinputintotheinstrumentatthestart.Thesedonotneed
to be exact, since any error in the extension reading is unimportant, as the output has been calibrated
againstloadrequired.However,itisimportanttousethesamefactorsforallfuturemeasurementsforthe
calibratedjointconfiguration.
An appreciable amount of data has been obtained using this method (References 12.2 and 12.3) but it
1273H 1274H

tendstobeveryspecifictoacertaintypeandsizeoffastener.Ifonlyasmallnumberofdifferentfasteners
are involved, it may be practicable to calibrate each type of fastener for its specific required preload.
However,ifthenumberislargethismaynotbepossible.Itispossibletousedataobtainedforalimited
variety of specimens to develop empiricalformulae that hold trueforfasteners of different dimensions,
(seeReference 12.4).Ithasbeenfoundthatthefollowingrelationshipcanbeapplied:
1275H

Lb
a b L1 c L2 [12.4.1]
FV
whereL1istheplainlengthofthefastenerandL2isthethreadedlengthofthefasteneruptothefaceof
thenut,and,a,bandcareconstants,tobeevaluatedfortheparticularfastenersystem.

12.4.2.5 Resonant Oscillator Methods


352B

Examples of these methods include the Reflection Oscillator Ultrasonic Spectrometer (ROUS) and
improvedPseudoContinuousWave(PCW)methods.Thefirststepistoestablisharesonantconditionin
thefastener.Asthefastenerisstressedthewavevelocitythroughitdecreases.Thefrequencyofexcitingis
held constant by the transducer and thus the wavelength therefore decreases (since the velocity is the
product of the wavelength and the frequency). Therefore, to reestablish a resonant condition, it is
necessarytodecreasethetransducerfrequency.
ThereaderisdirectedtoReferences 12.5to 12.9formoredetailedinformation.
1276H 1277H

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12.4.2.6 Scatter
353B

It is not possible to give an accurate maximum error figure covering all fastener configurations, since
this depends on many factors, including fastener dimensions, fastener material and the type of nut.
However,asaguidetotheorderofmagnitudeoferrors, Table122showsvaluesofBvaluescatter,for
1278H

extensometer readings for fasteners of six different diameters that were tested as described in Section
12.3.2 (see also Reference 12.4). It should be noted that, for each diameter, different lengths of fastener
1279H

were tested. Since the largest errors are likely to be incurred with the shortest fastener, the minimum
lengthusedisquoted.
Itcanbeseenthattheworstcasesinthissetoftestsproducedscattervaluesintheregionof6%,whileitis
possibleinsomecasestoobtainresultswithin1%.

Table122TypicalScatterofUltrasonicExtensometerPreloadReadingsUsinga
DirectLoadMethodofCalibration
Fastener Fastener Fastener BValue
Diameter Length Material Scatter
(mm) (mm)
8 51.2 Inconel 5.5%
10 40.7 Inconel 6.4%
12 52.6 Inconel 4.9%
14 61.7 Inconel 2.8%
18 70.0 Titanium 6.2%

12.5 Direct Measurement


79B

12.5.1 Overview
213B

Thismethodofpreloadcontrolislongestablishedandisincludedhereforcompleteness.Ithasanumber
ofdisadvantagesthatareoutlinedbelow.

12.5.2 Method of Application and Practical Considerations


214B

Amicrometerisusedtomeasurethefastenerextensionbytakingreadingsbeforeandaftertightening.To
makeaccuratemeasurements,itisnecessarytoprovidegaugingsurfacesateachendofthefastener.This
isusuallydonebygrindingtheendfacessquareorbyprovidingaconicalrecessintowhichasteelball
canbelocated.
Themethodneedsaccesstobothendsofthefastenerandsufficientclearancetoaccommodateacaliper
typemicrometer.

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The method also needs the application of both analytical and practical judgment, and most of the
disadvantages cited for the angle controlled tightening method apply. Tension cannot be rechecked
withoutslackeningthenutandretighteningitunlessalogiskeptofallfastenerdimensions.
The level of accuracy to which the preload can be controlled, assuming a uniform precision in
measurement,isprimarilyafunctionofthefastenerlength.

12.6 Reuse of Fasteners


80B

12.6.1 Overview
215B

Inmanysituationsathreadedfastenerhastobeloosenedandretightenedagain,e.g.MechanicalGround
SupportEquipment(MGSE)hardwareduringserviceonthegroundorpartsofatestmodelthatarelater
reused as flight hardware. Reuse of fasteners is desirable since new fasteners are often expensive,
however additional analysis is recommended. Two major parameters are affected by reuse; the friction
coefficients,andtheprevailingtorquesofthelockingdevice.

12.6.2 Effects on Friction Coefficients


216B

During the tightening procedure the surfaces of the threads are at first planated by the force acting
perpendiculartothesurface.Undertheeffectofanincreasedpreloadduringthetightening,thegrinding
of the two moving surfaces creates scratches and grooves on both surfaces, thus resulting in higher
friction coefficients. The friction coefficients of unlubricated fasteners may increase by up to 100%, and
further increases can occur with a higher coefficient of utilisation. This effect depends mainly on the
hardnessoftheengagedmaterialsandtheirsurfacetreatments.Therefore,theuseofexperimentaldatais
recommendedwhendeterminingtheeffectsofreuseonthefrictioncoefficient.
Theresultsofaseriesofreusetestsaresummarisedin Table123,whichshouldbeusedinplaceofTable
1280H

B1iffastenerreuseisexpected.Thevaluesin Table123arethemaximumandminimumvaluesforthe
1281H

2ndto5thapplicationsoftighteningtorque.Asfrictioncoefficientsmayincreasewithfurtherretightening,
this data should be used with care, and extensive reuse should be avoided. Nonetheless, the first
retighteningresultsinthehighestincreaseoffrictioncoefficients.Dependingonthefastenersizeandnut
type, the friction coefficients after the first retightening are 50% to 75% of the value after the 5th
retightening.ThedatainTable11.51isnotapplicableforMJtypethreads;inthatcaseseeISO5858and
DIN65349.
Using a lubricant for the fastener significantly reduces the effects of retightening on the friction
coefficients. Here also, an increase of the friction coefficients occurs, but it is around 10% 15% of the
valuemeasuredatthefirstuse.

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Table123FrictionCoefficientsofUnlubricatedReusedFasteners
Fastener TypeofNutorInsert th ,max th ,min Flangematerial

AA7075T7351
h ,max h ,min
LN29949M4(A286) Anchornut(floating)LN29693
HelicoilLN9499madeof
bronzeCuSn6
NutLN9161(selflocking,
hexagonflanked)
LN29949M5(A286) Anchornut(floating)LN29693 0.226 0.129 0.316 0.229
HelicoilLN9499madeof 0.190 0.154 0.330 0.217
bronzeCuSn6
NutLN9161(selflocking, 0.196 0.100 0.171 0.098
hexagonflanked)
LN29949M6(A286) Anchornut(floating)LN29693 0.306 0.144 0.346 0.259
HelicoilLN9499madeof 0.184 0.152 0.333 0.278
bronzeCuSn6
NutLN9161(selflocking, 0.140 0.094 0.257 0.087
hexagonflanked)
LN29949M8(A286) Anchornut(floating)LN29693
HelicoilLN9499madeof 0.399 0.236 0.352 0.294
bronzeCuSn6
NutLN9161(selflocking,
hexagonflanked)

12.6.3 Effects on Prevailing Torques


217B

Someselflockingdevicesuseathreadcrosssectionthatisdeformedaftermanufacturinginordertoform
a slightly elliptical shape. When used for the first time, the elliptical shape is deformed to a circle. This
deformation is partially plastic, leaving a permanent deformation for the next use. Thus, the prevailing
torque reduces after the first use. Subsequent usage involves mainly elastic deformation, and thus the
prevailing torque reductions are small. The increase of the prevailing torque due to increased friction
coefficients (as discussed in Section 12.6.2) is negligible compared to the decrease due to plastic
1282H

deformation. Therefore, the choice of lubricant has only a minor effect on the prevailing torque after
multiplereuses.
Someexperimentaldataforprevailingtorquelossisshownin Figure124.Thedataindicatesthat,bythe
1283H

5thretightening,nofurtherplasticdeformationoccursinthelockingdevice(i.e.theprevailingtorqueis
generatedpurelybyelasticdeformations).Therefore,whenanalysingfastenerswithlockingdevicesthat
willbereused,theelasticrangeprevailingtorquesof Table124,shouldbeusedinplaceof Table62.
1284H 1285H

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Figure124Prevailingtorquesduringaseriesofloosingandretighteningcyclesofa
LN29949M6fastenerandwithHelicoilLN9499madeofCuSn6

Table124PrevailingTorquesofLockingDevicesafterSeveralLooseningand
RetighteningCyclesforUnlubricatedFasteners
Fastener LockingDeviceType Size MP(Nm)
Type Min. Max. Mean
LN29949 Helicoil(screwlock)LN M4
9499bronze(not M5 0.20 0.90 0.69
cadmiumplated)
M6 1.20 2.00 1.63
M8 1.60 3.60 2.28
AnchornutLN29693 M4
M5
M6 0.40 1.60 0.87
M8
NutLN9161M M4
M5 0.90 1.60 1.15
M6 0.20 0.70 0.33

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12.6.4 Recommended Practice for Fastener Resuse
218B

Twoapproachestodeterminingthenumberoftimesthatafastenercanbereusedarerecommended.The
first approach is to rely on experimental data in order to determine limits. The second approach, much
more accurate, is to measure the prevailing (also known as running or selflocking) torque during the
installationofeveryfastenerandaddittothespecifiedseatingtorquetocalculatetheinstallationtorque
that is finally applied. In this approach, the fastener is considered unusable if the prevailing torque is
outsidetherangespecifiedbythemanufacturer.

12.7 References
81B

12.1
1286H BICKFORDJ.H. UltrasonicControlofBoltPreload,HydrocarbonProcessing.,Jan
1982.

12.2
1287H BENNET J.K. and D. de Procedure for Deriving and Verifying Calibration Data for bolt
VILLIERS preload extensions using Raymond Bolt Gauge PDX 934 (BAe.
Doc.No.PRBAe0072)

12.3
1288H HUTCHINSA.R. Test Report Deriving and Verifying Calibration Data for bolt
preload extensions using Raymond Bolt Gauge PDX 934 (BAe.
DocNo.RPBAe0120)

12.4
1289H MORGANE. AssessmentofCalibrationTestsofRayhmondExtensometerPDX
934(BAe.Doc.No.TNBAe50oo882)

12.5
1290H YAMAMOTOE. Direct Stress Measurement by Ultrasound Proc. Ninth World
Conf.onHonDestnuctineTesting1979.

12.6
1291H DEPUTATJ. UltrasonicTechniqueforMeasuringStressinScrews.Proc.Ninth
WorldConf.onNonDestructualTesting,1979.

12.7
1292H BOBRENKOV.M. Ultrasonic Method of Measuring et a1 Stresses in Parts of
ThreadedJoints:SovietJournalofNonDestructualTesting1974.

12.8
1293H HEYMANJ.S.and Ultrasonic Measurement of Axial Stress: Journal for Testing and
CHERNE.J. Evaluation,September1982.

12.9
1294H SMITHJ.F. StressMeasurementandBoltTensioningbyUltrasonicMethods:
GREINERJ.D. JournalofMetals,July1980

12.10
1295H BAereport Examination of Factors Affecting Torque Tightening and the

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GHFM/TST/SDec85 ProductionofDesignRecommendations.

12.11
1296H FISHERJ.W. GuidetoDesignCriteriaforBoltedandRivetedJoints
STRUIKJ.H.A. JohnWileyandSons1974

12.12
1297H BICKFORDJ.H. ThatInitialPreloadWhatHappenstoit?
MechanicalEngineering1983

12.13
1298H VDIRICHTLINIEN Systematiccalculationofhighdutyboltedjoints,VDIHandbuch
Konstruktion, December 1974 (1979 English translation by R.M.
Durham)

12.14
1299H BICKFORDJ.H. An introduction to the Design and Behaviour of Bolted Joints,
MarcelDekker

12.15
1300H Pfaff,H. Calculation of the preload at the yielding point of hyperelastic
tightenedscrews,Konstruktion47(1995Nr.7/8S.237/240)

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13
Corrosion
14B

13.1 Overview
82B

Corrosion may be defined as the chemical reaction of a metallic material with its environment. The
products of this reaction maybe solid, liquid or gaseous and the physical and chemical natures of the
productsareimportantastheyofteninfluencethesubsequentrateofreaction.
Handbooks and reference charts are available, providing information on the behaviour of metals and
othermaterialsincertainwelldefinedenvironments.Unfortunatelythepreciseoperationalenvironment
is,inpractice,difficulttopredictandmayvaryconsiderably,e.g.forreusablespacecomponents.
Additionally, the method of fabrication and fastening can affect the susceptibility to, and rate of,
corrosion.
Thustoavoidcorrosionproblems,thefactorstobeconsideredbyadesignerare:
Theworkingenvironmentandexposuretoit
Theprobablereactivityofthematerialsinvolvedinfabrication
Thefeaturesofthedesignthatmaymodifythatreactivity
Figure131showsthetypesofcorrosionthathavebeenidentifiedasmostrelevanttospaceapplications.
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The following sections briefly describe the various types of corrosion and some recommendations are
givenforovercomingcorrosionproblems.

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Figure131FormsofCorrosion

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13.2 Galvanic Corrosion


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13.2.1 Introduction
219B

Aqueouscorrosionprocessesgenerallyneedoxygenandwaterinintimatecontacttoachievemeasurable
corrosion rates. In space environments, both these substances are virtually nonexistent and hence
aqueouscorrosionprocessesmaybeessentiallyignored.
However during manufacture, test and storage the structure will experience earth environments with
highlevelsofoxygenandwater,thereforethecorrosionprocesscannotbeignored.
When dissimilar metals are joined, accelerated corrosion can occur at the interface due to galvanic
corrosion.Thiscorrosionoccursonametal(theanode)asaresultofcurrentflowfromtheanodetoaless
reactive (more noble) metal (the cathode), when they are in electrical contact and in the presence of an
electrolyte. The anode corrodes due to dissolution of the metal and the process is balanced (in most
practicalapplications)bythereductionofdissolvedoxygenintheelectrolyte.

13.2.2 Factors Which Affect the Rate of Corrosion


220B

13.2.2.1 Electrolyte
354B

Electrolytefactorsthathavemajorimplicationsforgalvaniccorrosionareasfollows:
a. Electrolytecomposition
b. Degreeofacidityoralkalinity
c. Electricalconductivity
Ingeneraltheseverityofcorrosionoftenincreaseswithincreasingelectricalconductivitysinceinpractical
situationshighconductivityisoftencausedbythepresenceofaggressiveionssuchaschlorideorbyacid
oralkali.

13.2.2.2 Area Ratio


355B

Formanysituationstherateofcorrosionisdependentupontherateofdiffusionofdissolvedoxygento
thecathodeandisthusproportionaltotheareaofthecathodemetalsurface.Thus,foraconstantareaof
cathode material, the amount of corrosion of the anode area is constant but the intensity of corrosion
increases as the area of the anodic metal is decreased. Since adverse area ratios may occur in threaded
fastener joints, the fastener metal should be of the same polarity as the clamped parts, or be relatively
cathodictothem.

13.2.2.3 Metallurgical Condition and Composition


356B

Differences in corrosion potential can exist between coupled metals or alloys of nominally the same
composition.Thecoldworkingofanalloy/metaltendstomakeitmoreanodic.Bimetalliccorrosioncan
alsooccurbetweengenericalloyswithslightlydifferingcompositions.

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13.2.3 Prevention of Bimetallic Corrosion
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The prevention or minimisation of galvanic corrosion is best addressed during the design stage (see
Reference 13.1).Whendissimilarmetalsarejoined,careshouldbetakentoprotecttheanodicmemberby
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properelectricalinsulationofthejointorbyexcludingtheelectrolyteifthisisfeasible.
Table 131 lists metalsinthe order of their relativeactivity inan aqueous environment. The list begins
1303H

withthemoreactive(anodic)metalandproceedsdowntotheleastactive(cathodic)metalofthegalvanic
series.A galvanicseries pertains to a particularelectrolyte solution and hencefor each specific solution
encountered, a different series will apply. Usually a seawater environment is chosen as the basis for
comparisonsinceitisoneofthemostcorrosiveenvironmentsandisreadilyencountered.Galvanicseries
relationshipsareusefulasaguideforselectingthemetalsusedforajoint.Generallythecloseronemetal
istoanotherintheseries,themorecompatibletheywillbe.Inagalvaniccouplethemetalhigherinthe
seriesrepresentstheanodeandwillcorrodepreferentiallyintheenvironment.Itisthereforenecessaryto
protectmetalswidelyseparatedinthegalvanicseries,iftheyareintendedtobejoined.
Methodsofpreventingorminimisinggalvanicattackarebaseduponbreakingtheelectricalpathinthe
metallic or electrolytic parts of the system, by excluding oxygen from the electrolyte, or by sacrificial
corrosion. This strategy cannot be used if the galvanic couple needs to act as an electrical connection.
Electrical insulation can be achieved by interposing a gasket or washer between the dissimilar metals
priortoconnectingthem.Ifthecouplehastoactasanelectricalconnection,acompatiblemetallicgasket
orwashercanbeplacedbetweenthetwometalspriortofastening,orthecathodicmembercanbeplated
with a metal compatible with the anode. Jointing compounds applied to the contacting surfaces of
fasteners and lap joints do not normally provide electrical insulation, they are however very useful in
preventingwaterpenetratingthejointandhencepreventinggalvanicandcrevicecorrosion.

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Table131GalvanicSeriesofMetalsinanAqueousEnvironment
MaterialCategory Variant
Mgalloy AZ31B
Beryllium(hotpressed)
Alalloy 2014T3
Alalloy 1160H14
Alalloy 7079T6
Alalloy 50520
Alalloy 5052Hl2
Alalloy 54560,H353
Alalloy 5052H32
Alalloy 11000
Alalloy 6061T6
Alalloy 7075T6 Anodi
Alalloy 1160H14
Alalloy 60610
Alalloy 20140
Alalloy 2024T4
Alalloy 5052H16
Stainlesssteel 430(active)
Stainlesssteel 410(active)
Copper(plated,castorwrought)
Nickel(plated)
Tantalum
StainlessSteel AM350(active)
Cathodi
StainlessSteel 301(active)
StainlessSteel 304(active)
StainlessSteel 177PH(active)
Tungsten
Copper110
Carpenter20
StainlessSteel (active)
StainlessSteel 321(active)
StainlessSteel 316(active)

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MaterialCategory Variant
StainlessSteel 309(passive)
StainlessSteel 177PH(passive)
StainlessSteel 304(passive)
StainlessSteel 301(passive)
StainlessSteel 321(passive)
StainlessSteel 201(passive)
StainlessSteel AM355(active)
Carpenter20
StainlessSteel (passive)
StainlessSteel AM355(passive)
StainlessSteel A286(passive)
Titanium(annealed) 13V,11Cr,3Al
Titanium(solutiontreatedand
aged) 6Al,4v
Titanium(annealed) 6Al,4V
Titanium(solutiontreatedand
aged) 13V,11Cr,3Al
StainlessSteel Am350(passive)
Silver
Gold
Graphite

Surfacecoatingsareveryeffectiveinprotectingmetals.Bothmembersofthecoupleshouldbecoated,but
wherethisisnotpossiblethenthecathodicmetalshouldbecoatedasthisincreasestheeffectiveanode
arearatioandreducesthecorrosionintensity.
Nonmetallicmaterialsthatarejoinedtometalsshouldbetreatedwithcaution.Forexample,composite
materialsmaycontaincarbonorgraphite,whichbeingverynoble,mayresultincorrosionofthemetal.
Graphitepencilmarkingsonaluminiumaircraftstructureshavegivenrisetogalvaniccorrosionproblems
inthepast.Itisimportanttoensurethatthenonmetallicmaterialdoesnotcontainanyothercorrosive
agents.Inparticulartheyshouldbefreeofthefollowing:
a. Ionicsalts
b. Acidoralkalinematerials
c. Carbonormetallicparticles
d. Anabilitytowickorabsorbwater.

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Gaskets used in RF shielding (typically a metallic loaded or metallic mesh supported in an elastomeric
medium) should be carefully screened to achieve compatibility with the mating surfaces, otherwise the
matingsurfacesandfastenersmayneedtobetreatedinsomeway.

13.3 Stress Corrosion Cracking


84B

13.3.1 Introduction
222B

StressCorrosionCracking(SCC)occurswherecertainalloysaresubjectedtoacontinuoustensilestressin
thepresenceofaspecificcorrosiveenvironment.Thefailuresappeartobeofabrittletypeevenwherethe
materialisrecognisedtobeductile.Surfacesintheregionofthecrackmaynotappearaffectedbygeneral
corrosionthatoftenmakesSCCmoredifficulttodiagnose.Timetofailureisamatterofminutesunder
severeconditions,oryearswhenconditionsarelesssevere.
SCCisoftenassociatedwithaerospacestructuresconstructedfromhighstrengthmaterialsandoperating
athighstresses.TheApolloProgramsufferedmanySCCfailuresandmuchwaslearnedaboutthedesign
of space structures as a result (see Reference 13.2). Subsequently NASA issued design criteria for
1304H

controllingSCC(Reference 13.3),tobemetbyallcontractorsforNASAflighthardware.Itcontainsalist
1305H

of materials that are resistant to SCC and also those which are most susceptible. A similar document
calledECSSQST7036MaterialSelectorforControllingStressCorrosionCrackingexistswithinECSS.
(Reference 13.4).
1306H

ThefollowingsubsectionsaimtohighlighttheaspectsofSCCrelevanttothreadedfastenerjointsandto
makedesignersawareofthemethodsavailabletoavoidorreducetheoccurrenceofSCC.

13.3.2 Factors Affecting Stress Corrosion Cracking


223B

13.3.2.1 Overview
357B

TheprerequisitesforSCCareasfollows:
a. asusceptiblematerial
b. aspecificcorrosiveenvironment
c. atensilestress
Eachoftheseisdiscussedbelow.

13.3.2.2 The Susceptibility of Materials to SCC


358B

The effect of alloy composition and metallurgical condition (grain size and orientation, distribution of
precipitates,etc.)onSCCissufficientlyunderstoodtospecifycertainpreferredalloysandtreatmentsto
minimisetheeffectofSCC(seeReference 13.3).
1307H

In high strength aluminium alloys the effects of heat treatment and cold work are significant in
determining resistance to SCC. For example when wrought aluminium products are manufactured by
rolling, extrusion or drawing the alloy microstructure becomes distorted into elongated grains in the
directionofworking.Thisisdesignatedthelongitudinaldirection,thewidthofthesheetisthetransverse

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direction, and the thickness is designated the short transverse direction (as shown in Figure 132 for a
1308H

numberofsectionshapes).

Figure132GrainOrientationsinStandardWroughtForms

Material properties vary depending on the direction of testing with the longitudinal direction being
strongest.Theshorttransversedirectionisusuallytheweakestandasaresultismostpronetotheeffects
ofSCC.Itisthereforedesirabletodesigncomponentsthatarenotheavilystressedintheshorttransverse
direction. Figure 133 and Figure 134 illustrate examples of poor joint design that would lead to high
1309H 1310H

stressesintheshorttransversedirection.

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Figure133AssemblyStressResultingfromMismatch

Figure134HighAssemblyStressesinShortTransverseDirection

The short transverse direction of a forged component is perpendicular to its parting plane as shown in
Figure 135. In this case any bush or fastener with an interference fit in the bore indicated is likely to
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acceleratefailurebySCC.

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Figure135ExamplesofTensileStressesinShortTransverseDirectionResulting
fromAssembly

Heat treatments have been developed to reduce the susceptibility of high strength aluminium alloys to
SCCandtheseshouldbespecifiedwherepossible.
When specifying alloys for use on space systems ECSSQST7036 on prevention of SCC is applicable
(Reference 13.4).ThisdocumentcollectsinatablethealloyswithhighresistancetoSCCthatcanbeused,
1312H

and prescribes their conditions of use. Where an alloy is not listed and SCC data is not available, it is
necessary to conduct suitable tests for SCC resistance, such as those given by ECSSQST7037 (see
Reference 13.6).TheresultsshouldbesubmittedforapprovalonaStressCorrosionEvaluationForm.A
1313H

similarsituationexistsformaterialapprovaltoNASAstandards.

13.3.2.3 The Role of the Environment in Stress Corrosion Cracking


359B

EnvironmentsthatgiverisetoSCCareoftenspecifictoparticularalloys,thusmakingSCCverydifficult
to predict unless tests have been conducted simulating the operating conditions or failures have been
notedpreviouslyundersimilarconditions.
As the corrosive environment is essential for SCC to occur, the designer should ensure that approved
protectiveanticorrosioncoatingsarespecified.

13.3.2.4 The Influence of Stress on Stress Corrosion Cracking


360B

The effect of applied tensile stress on SCC varies with materials. In some cases a threshold stress
concentration factor Kiscc can be specified, below which failure by SCC will not occur (see Subsection
11.3.4). In other cases, SCC occurs at all values of applied tensile stress, the time to failure being
1314H

dependentonthestresslevel.
Tensile stresses in joint assemblies that can give rise to SCC may be imposed by several sources, in
additiontothenormalworkingstressesinthesystem.Misalignmentorgapsbetweenjointfacescancause
highsurfacetensilestresseswhichwhencombinedwithanunfavourablegrainorientationcanresultin
rapid SCC failures. Such failures can be avoided by ensuring that gaps are properly shimmed, and the
alignmentofassembliesischecked.

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Fastenerswithsubstantialinterferencefitscanimposehightensilestressesintheflangestransversegrain
direction,leadingtolongitudinalcracks.Careshouldbetakentospecifyalloysthatarehighlyresistantto
SCCintheseregions.
In some cases, manufacturing processes may leave components with residual surface tensile stresses.
Examples of such processes are bending, tube drawing, stretch forming, electro discharge machining
(EDM)andsomecuttingoperations.Anindicationofwhatlevelofresidualstressescanbeimpartedby
these operations is given in Reference 13.5. Heat treatment processes may also leave residual stresses,
1315H

especially for components with complex shapes. All residual tensile stresses should be reduced or
eliminatedbythermaltreatmentsorbymechanicalmeans.
Compressive surface stresses can be introduced in many components by shot peening. This process is
veryusefulforcontrollingSCCincriticalparts.

13.4 Crevice Corrosion


85B

13.4.1 Introduction
224B

Acceleratedcorrosiveattackisoftenobservedincrevicesthatareexposedtowetconditions.Assemblies
joined together by fasteners are particularly prone to this type of corrosion due to the difficulty in
avoiding crevices between the joint elements. However, it is possible to minimise the problem by
preventingmoisturefrompenetratingthecrevice.

13.4.2 Methods of Avoiding Crevice Corrosion


225B

Itisrecommendedtoavoid,wherepossible,crevicesindesign.Iftheycannotbeavoided,theyshouldbe
coveredwithacontinuouspaintfilm.Threadsealantsareveryusefulincombatingcrevicecorrosionand
inmostcasesagoodpaintfilmwillpreventtheingressofwater.
Joints should be carefully cleaned and dried before assembly since even small amounts of debris can
prevent mating faces from contacting, resulting in crevice conditions. Similarly any moisture trapped
betweenjointfacesislikelytoinitiatecorrosion.

13.5 Pitting corrosion


86B

13.5.1 Introduction
226B

Pitting corrosion may be thought of as a form of localised corrosion that occurs on one part of a metal
surface at a much higher rate than over the rest of the surface. Pitting corrosion is associated with the
breakdownofasurfacefilmandoftenoccursoncompletelyflatsurfaces.Ifthesurfacefilmiscathodic,an
areawithoutthefilmwillactasasmallanode,thussufferingintensecorrosionthatleadstopitting.
Pits may also be nucleated at points determined not only by faults in the surface film, but also at sites
determinedbytheunderlyingmetal.Suchsitesmayarisefromalloyheterogeneitiesinthesurface,orbe
associated with grain or phase boundaries.Solid nonmetallicinclusions fromprocessing procedures or
fromimpurities,e.g.sulphidesinstainlesssteels,mayalsoprovideinitiationsites.

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13.5.2 Alloy Susceptibility
227B

13.5.2.1 Alloy Steels


361B

Stainlesssteelspossessexcellentresistancetopittingcorrosioninoxidisingatmospheres.However,inthe
absenceofoxygentheprotectiveoxidefilmmaybreakdownandpittingcorrosioncanoccurveryrapidly.

13.5.2.2 Aluminium
362B

Inmostnaturalenvironments,aluminiumanditsalloysgivesatisfactoryresistancetopittingcorrosion.
However,athighandlowpHvalues,intheabsenceofoxygen,orinthepresenceoffilmdestructiveions,
theprotectingoxidefilmmaybreakdownwitharesultantpittingattack.InAlZnMgalloysthismaylead
tointergranularcorrosionandasignificantlossofstrength.

13.5.2.3 Titanium
363B

Thismetalanditsalloysareextremelyresistanttopittingcorrosion.

13.5.3 Prevention of Pitting Corrosion


228B

Theincidenceofpittingcorrosioncanbereducedbyselectionofmaterialsthatexhibitahighresistanceto
thisformofcorrosion.

13.6 References
87B

13.1
1316H T.KRoss Metal Corrosion, published by the Design Council, the British
Standards Institution and the Council of Engineering
InstitutionsbyOxfordUniversityPress.

13.2
1317H R.E.Johnson Apollo Experience Report The Problem of Stress Corrosion
Cracking,NASATND711,March1973.

13.3
1318H NASA MSFC DesignCriteriaforControllingStressCorrosionCracking.
SPEC 522A, Nov
1977
13.4
1319H ECSSQST7036 Space product assurance Material Selection for Controlling
StressCorrosionCracking

13.5
1320H ATBainbridge Residual Stresses Arising from Machining and Fabrication,
AGARDCPNo53,1970.

13.6
1321H ECSSQST7037 SpaceproductassuranceDeterminationofthesusceptibilityof
metalstoStressCorrosionCracking

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14
Lubricants for Space Use
15B

14.1 Introduction
88B

Thenearlytotalabsenceofairaroundandwithinspacevehicleshastwomajorimplicationsfortribology.
Firstly, oxygen and water vapour are not on hand to repair damaged surfaces, so strong adhesion
(welding and galling) between clean degreased materials becomes inevitable if they are unprotected.
Secondly,aliquidphaselubricant(e.g.oilorgrease)wouldquicklyvolatiliseorboilaway,eitherdirectly
tospaceorcontaminatingthespacecraft,unlessthelubricanthassufficientlylowvapourpressureand/or
is suitably sealed to retard molecular effusion. Thus, the space environment impose the use of
lubricantsthatneithervolatilisenorcreep,andwhicharenotinfluencedbytemperatureextremes.

14.2 Lubricant Selection


89B

Reference 14.1 contains guidelines for space materials selection. It deals with lubricants in general and
1322H

listsfourlubricantsthataresuitableforspaceapplications.
Table141providesalistofrecommendedlubricants.
1323H

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Table141RecommendedLubricantsforSpaceApplications
TradeName Chemical TypeofProduct Manufacturer
Composition
FOMBLINYVAC3 Perflouropolyether Greaselubricant Montedison,Milan,
Italy
BRAYCO Perflourinatedpoly Oil BrayOilcompany,
MICRONIC815Z ether Californis,USA
MoS2 Molybdenum Lubricant Several(Dow
MolycoteZ,Moly disulphide CorningBelgium,
PaulITC,Lubri K.T.PaulProducts
Bond U.K.,ElectrofilemInc.
USA.etc.)
BRAYCOTE3L Perflourinatedpoly Greaselubricant BrayOilcompany,
38RP ether Californis,USA
DICRONITE ModifiedTungsten Lubricant RotaryComponents
Disulphide(WS2) Inc.CaliforniaUSA
APIEZONL Hydrocarbon Greaselubricant ShellChemie
DenHaagNL
KINEL5518 Polymide/PTEE Thermosetting,self RhonePoulene
lubricatingresin ParisF
FOMBLINZ25 Perflouralkylether Oil Montedison,Milan,
Italy
P.T.F.E Polytetrafluorethylene Thermoplastic Several(DuPontUS,
(Teflon,Halon, HoechstD,
Fluon, MontecatiniI,etc.)
Hostafluon)

14.3 Plating and Coatings for Fasteners


90B

Silver is primarily a lubricant for high temperature applications on corrosion resistant fasteners in steel
andotherstructureswheregalvaniccorrosionisnotaproblem.
Itisalsousedbecauseitdoesnotsublimate.ThespecificationisusuallyAMS2410.Othercoatingssuchas
Electrofilmarereallylubricantsandprovideminimalcorrosionprotection.SoftmetalslikeLead(Pb)can
beshearedeasily,sothatincertaincircumstancestheycanalsobeusedassolidlubricants.However,they
will not support heavy loads without deforming, so they are used as thin coatings on stronger metal
surfaces.Softmetalfilmsaremainlyusedaslubricantsonlyinavacuum.
Fastener qualification data has been generated on the use of Ion Vapour Deposited (IVD) aluminium
(IVADISE)asareplacementforcadmiumingeneralengineeringuse(Reference 144.2). 1324H

Theconclusionscanbesummarisedasfollows:

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a. IVDaluminiumdoesnotproduceanydetrimentaleffectsonthemechanicalproperties.
b. Thecoefficientoffrictionofaluminiumishigherthancadmium,thereforehigherinstallationforces
are necessary. These higher values, however, are within the working ranges presently used for
cadmium in most cases. A closer attention to the type of lubricants used can be necessary for
interferencefitfasteners.
With a silverplated A286 nut, an IVD coated titanium bolt, and using EVERLUBE 812 as a lubricant, a
consistently low coefficient of friction can be obtained for multiple installations. Kalgard 2240 (an
aluminiumrichpaint)canbealsousedinsteadoftheIVADIZEcoating(Reference4.3).

14.4 Liquid Lubricants


91B

ProbablythemostsignificantadditiontospacelubricantsisapolyfluoralkylethercalledFomblinZ25.The
fluid has the very high viscosity index of 345 and a vapour pressure that is suitably low at room
temperature.
TheBrayOilCointheUSAhavedistilledtheItalianrawstock(FomblinOil)tomakeBray815Z,which
has been flown on a number of USA satellites mostly in the form of a PTFE thickened grease, Bray
3L38RP.

14.5 Dry Lubricants


92B

Molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) in various formulations is the most extensively used lubricant. It
possessesexcellentantigallingpropertiesandlowfriction.InvacuumMoS2performsevenbetterthanin
airbecausethereisnooxidation.Also,MoS2willwithstandover1000Cinvacuumbeforeitsublimes.
ApplicationofMoS2canbebyanumberofmeans;
a. asaspraybondedfilm,
b. usingapolymericorinorganiccarrier,
c. asaburnishedfilmwherethehardedgedplateletsareforcedintothesurface,or
asasputteredfilmappliedbyradiofrequency(RF).
TheRFsputteringmethodoffersahighlyreproduciblewayofobtainingadherentandthinfilms.

14.6 Codification of Space Lubricant Systems and


93B

Processes
The behaviour of any tribological system is governed by a large number of factors, many of which are
difficult to control; material properties, both macro and micro, surface condition, presence of micro
quantities of contaminants, system geometry, speed, load, duty cycle are only some of the variables. In
consequencetherulestobemetbyanylubricationprocesstobeacceptableforspaceareasfollows:
a. In order to ensure consistent repeatability of performance, oOnly fully codified and documented
lubricationprocessesareusedforspaceapplication.

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b. Onlylubricantsthatareapprovedandvalidatedforspacetoarecognisedspecification,andsource
traceable,areused.
c. The test programme to determine the performance of the lubrication system reproduces all the
operationalconditionsofthedutycycle,theenvironmentandthelifethatitwillexperienceinthe
application.
Theuseofacommercialsystemforaspaceapplicationisacceptableonlyifitfulfilsthesethreerules..4.

14.7 References94B

14.1
1325H ANON Guidelinesforspacematerialsselection,ESAPSS07(QRM07)Issue
5,July1979.

14.2
1326H J. Newnham, Evaluation of Titanium bolts and coated with Ivadize Aluminium
B. Hassell, P. andKalgard2240Cintorquetensiontests.
Betiam
SPSTechnologies,Inc.,NAASLab,Ref.,No.52541979.

14.3
1327H MCAIR M & R&DReportNo.118,6thFebruary,1975.
PD

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15
Manufacturing Quality Control
16B

15.1 Introduction
95B

It is essential that quality is builtin at the design stage. If it is not, no amount of subsequent quality
activitywillbeentirelysatisfactory.
The overall quality of a joint is a function of its design quality and manufacturing quality. The former
includestheanalyticalaspectsofjointdesignandisdealtwithinsomedetailintheearlierthisguidelines
document. The latter includes performance variations, which occur as a result of production tolerances
andiscoveredinthissection.

15.2 Manufacturing and Quality Assurance


96B

Specific overall requirements are imposed by agencies (such as NASA, ESA, CNES and MILITARY).
These requirements relate to the need to address such aspects as safety factors for the Space
Transportation System. An example of this is the requirement to use materials which have been
previouslyqualifiedasnonstresscorrosive.Theinformationconcerningsuchaspectsistobefoundinthe
respectiveSpaceAgencysupportingdocumentation,processes,specificationorprojectrequirements.
ForprojectsconductedwithintheEuropeanSpaceAgencyasystemofECSSdocumentsexistswhichare
mandatorywhencalledforinthecontractrequirements.
Quality Assurance, or as it is more commonly known in space projects, Product Assurance, has the
responsibilitytoensurethatdesignershaverecognisedrequirementsofthetypeindicatedaboveandthat
the necessary controls and verification have been conducted to ensure compliance. This ensures the
traceability of materials from their source and that the specified testing and inspection is carried out.
Testingcouldincludehardness,nondestructivetestsandpreloadingoffasteners.Inspectionincludesall
dimensionaltolerances.Additionally,allmaterialsusedinspacecrafthavetobelistedandreviewedfor
acceptability.
The controls imposed to achieve these objectives are primarily associated with the detail of planning,
review,inspectionandthatrecordingofdatathatgivesfinaltraceabilityofalltheinformationintheevent
ofanyfailure.

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15.3 Quality of Threaded Fastener Joints


97B

15.3.1 Overview
229B

When designing a threaded fastener joint, the designer should consider all production variations that
mightinfluencethejointsperformance.Thesevariationscomeunderthefollowingbroadcategories:
ProcessVariations
MaterialVariations
Tolerancing
The designer should specify the acceptable variation of the above parameters in the engineering
drawings,alsocitingtherelevantcompany,nationalorinternationalstandards.
Production testing and inspection is an important part of Quality Control and it provides feedback on
achievement and limits variations. The designer should therefore consider the necessary testing and
inspectionandfacilitatethis(asfaraspossible)withinthedesign.

15.3.2 Process Variations


230B

Theperformanceofthethreadedfastenerjointsisaffectedbythefollowing:
a. Dimensionaltolerances,e.g.fastener/holefits,holepositionaltolerances.
b. Surfacefinishonthematingpartofthedesign.
c. Preloadvariations.
d. Threadprofileanddimensionaltolerances.
e. Lubricationconditions.
The above variations are limited by the designer specifying an acceptable level on the drawings or by
invokingstandards.

15.3.3 Material Variations


231B

Performanceofthejointwillbeaffectedbythefollowingmaterialvariations:
a. Ultimatestrength(compressiveandtensile)
b. Proofstrength(compressiveandtensile)
c. Moduliofthematerial
d. PoissonRatio
e. Frictioncharacteristics
f. Corrosioncharacteristics

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15.3.4 Tolerancing
232B

Tolerancesmayaffectthejointcharacteristicssuchasitsloadcarryingability,stiffnessandbacklash.Itis
likelythatthelargerthetolerances,thegreaterwillbethejointstrengthvariation.
When considering the effect of manufacturing tolerances it is necessary to assume some statistical
distributionofthevariations.Ifalltoleranceswereassumedtobeattheirworstpossiblevalue,thenthe
design would be far too pessimistic. However, there may be cases where this has been designed in
deliberatelyandsoshouldnotbeoverlookedcompletely.
Whenusingstatisticalanalysisitisessentialtorecognisethedistributionofthevariation.Manufacturing
variations can generally be classified as Gaussian. However, SkewedGaussian or Rectangular
distributionsmaybemoresuitableforcertainmanufacturingmethods.Inspectionandtestingwillaffect
thedistributionbytruncatingtheendsofthedistribution.
The designer should obtain information on the variation of important joint characteristics and examine
testresultsinorderthathemayhaveconfidenceinhisstatisticalanalysis.Thetolerancesspecifiedshould
take account of the variation in the controlled characteristic. In order to optimise production yield and
minimisecosts,thetolerancesshouldbeincreasedtothemaximumconsistentwiththeperformancetobe
achieved.

15.4 References
98B

15.1
1328H ECSSQST70 Space product assurance Materials, mechanical parts and
processes

15.2
1329H ECSSQST7036 Space product assurance Material selection for controlling
stresscorrosioncracking

15.3
1330H ECSSQST7037 SpaceproductassuranceDeterminationofthesusceptibilityof
metalstostresscorrosioncracking

15.4
1331H ECSSQST7046 SpaceproductassuranceRequirementsformanufacturingand
procurementofthreadedfasteners

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16
Joint Validation by Testing
17B

16.1 Introduction
99B

Successful design is usually achieved through the combination of theoretical analysis and practical
testing.Thelevelofconfidenceintheoreticalworkaloneislimitedbytheaccuracyofthedatabeingused
and the accuracy of the theoretical method. Physical testing overcomes this problem but it is usually
impossible to explore the limits of all potential variations. Close agreement between theoretical and
practical results gives the designer high confidence that the joints behaviour is understood, that the
theoryiscorrectandthatasuccessfuldesignwillresult.
Thissectionaimstogivethedesignerguidelinesforthetestingofthreadedfastenerjoints.Itisnotspecific
since the type of validation will depend on the type of joint and the circumstances in which it is being
designed.

16.2 Types of Testing


100B

Therearetwobroadcategoriesoftesting:
a. Developmenttesting,and
b. Productiontesting.
During development testing an exhaustive set of tests is recommended, dependent on the type of joint
anditsapplication.Thegeneralaimofdevelopmenttestingistoconfirmtheunderstandingofhowthe
joint works (e.g. to confirm the theory applied for its design). Development testing also includes long
termeffectssuchascorrosionandfatigue.
Production testing is much more restrictive and may include every joint or be limited to testing of
samples.Theobjectiveistodeterminewhetherthejointhasbeenmanufacturedandassembledcorrectly,
andmadefromthecorrectmaterials.Theamountofproductiontestingshoulddependonhowgreatthe
riskoffailureis.

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16.3 Development Testing


101B

16.3.1 Overview
233B

Developmenttestingaimstoconfirmthetheoreticalanalysiscarriedoutonthejoint.Thisalsoappliesto
longterm characteristics such as fatigue. All joints show a statistical variation of performance, and it is
importanttotakethisintoaccountwhenobtainingapprovalbasedontestresults.Developmenttesting
canincludeanyorallofthefollowingapproaches:
a. Alargenumberofsamplessimplytestedundernormalloadingconditions.
b. A small number of samples simply tested but at loads enhanced in relation to the number of
samples.
c. Asmallnumberofsamplestestedingreatdetailsuchthattheinternalfunctioningofthejointmay
beunderstood.
Theaboveshouldincludebothstaticanddynamictests(ifappropriate)andalsolongtermeffects.

16.3.2 The Test Factor


234B

Whenatestismadeonasinglespecimenoranumberofrandomlychosenspecimens,theresultsshould
showanextramarginofstrength,ortestfactor,overthedesignvaluetoallowforthepossibilitythatthe
chosenspecimenswerestrongerthanaverageandalsotoensurethattheweakestspecimenproducedhas
acceptablestrength.Pastexperiencehasshownthatforconventionalmetallicstructuresthestrengthcan
be expressed as a normal distribution with a specified coefficient of variation (the ratio of standard
deviation to the mean). This distribution can be used to deduce the magnitude of the test factor that
shouldbeusedforagivennumberoftestspecimens,inordertoestablishwithanacceptableprobability
thattheweakestspecimenwillhavetherequiredstrength.
A coefficient of variation of 0.03 has been established for joints made to aircraft standards from the
followingmaterials:
AluminiumAlloy
Titanium
Steel
Ifthecoefficientofvariationisnotknown,testswillbenecessarytoestablishavalue.
Theprobabilitythatthemeanstrengthrealisedontestdividedbythetestfactorislessthantherequired
designstrengthgivenby,
S [16.3.1]
P P mt S req
Ft
where P is, Smt is the mean strength found during testing, Ft is the test factor, and Sreq is the required
strength.
Table15.3.1showsthetestfactorstobeusedtogivearangeofvaluesofPunderforarangeofvariation
coefficientsusingEquation [16.3.1].
1332H

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Table161TestFactorstobeusedforGivenProbabilityofFailure
Number Probability CoefficientofVariation(V)
ofTests ofFailure .03 .05 .07 .10 .20
(P)
1Test 1in10 1.056 1.095 1.136 1.200 1.452
1in100 1.104 1.180 1.262 1.400 2.069
1in1000 1.141 1.247 1.366 1.577 2.890
1in10000 1.172 1.276 1.461 1.749 4.241
3Tests 1in10 1.046 1.078 1.112 1.167 1.385
1in100 1.086 1.150 1.220 1.339 1.943
1in1000 1.117 1.207 1.310 1.495 2.716
1in10000 1.143 1.257 1.392 1.650 4.023

Table161indicatesthatifonlyonetestcanbedoneonajointwithacoefficientofvariationof0.10and
1333H

theprobabilityofjointfailureinserviceistobebetterthan1in1000thenthetestfactortobeusedis1.577.
However,ifthreetestsweredoneagainstthesamerequirementthenthetestfactortobeusedwouldbe
1.495.
Thealternativemethodtotherelativelystraightforwardtestsdescribedaboveisundertakingtestingthat
providesdetailedknowledgeofhowthejointworks.Inthisapproachtestsareconductedwhichprovide
detailedknowledgeoftheloads,stressesandstrainswithinthejointasafunctionoftheexternalapplied
loads.Theseresultsarecomparedtoanequallydetailedtheoreticalanalysisofthejointusingasuitable
method (such as the Finite Element Method) to ensure that measurements are being made in the most
relevantareas.Withthisinformationthemaximumloadsappliedinsidethejointcanbecomparedtothe
basicmaterialcharacteristics.

16.3.3 Specific Development Tests


235B

16.3.3.1 Overview
364B

The environment to be withstood by a joint should be considered very carefully before specifying the
developmenttestprogramme.Ingeneral,higherloadsareappliedtothestructurewhileitisinabenign
environment,whereaslowerloadsareappliedwhilstthereareextremesoftemperatureandtemperature
gradient.Theeffectsofsuchtemperaturesandtemperaturegradientsshouldbeinvestigatedduringthe
testing, especially if dissimilar materials are involved. Care should be taken to ensure that the joint is
loadedinamannercompatiblewiththerealapplication.
Thefollowingparagraphsdescribethemostimportantcategoriesofbenignenvironmenttests.

16.3.3.2 Load - Deflection


365B

Aloaddeflectioncurvewillprovideknowledgeonthefollowing:
Stiffnessofthejoint
Hysteresischaracteristics

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Backlash
Loadsharing
Failuremechanism

16.3.3.3 Ultimate Strength


366B

Ultimate strength tests are used to prove the suitability of the joint. After failure, the joint should be
examinedcarefullytodeterminethemodeoffailure.

16.3.3.4 Fatigue Testing


367B

Fatiguetestingisnormallyonlyberelevantonreuseablespaceequipment.Itprovidesinformationinthe
followingareas:
FatigueLife
VibrationLoosening
Crackgrowth
Fretting

16.3.3.5 Corrosion Testing


368B

Corrosion may considerately alter the characteristics of a joint both in terms of its strength and life.
Corrosion testing in accordance with the relevant environmental conditions should be considered. The
effectsofthecorrosionshouldbeobservedandmeasured.

16.3.3.6 High/Low Temperature Testing


369B

Oneoftheobjectivesoftestingatextremetemperatureconditionsistoreproducetheappropriatematerial
characteristicsaswellasthermalstrainsandstress.Hence,notonlyshouldtemperaturesbesimulatedbut
alsothermalgradients.Duetothedifficultiesandexpense,thistestingshouldbeminimised.Underthis
condition,informationshouldbederivedonjointstrengthandstiffnessandvariationfromsimilartests
carriedoutatnormalambientshouldbenoted.

16.4 Production Testing


102B

It is unlikely that individual joints will be production tested. It is far more likely that the joints will be
tested as part of an overall spacecraft structural test. Obviously, normal quality control procedures will
aim to ensure that the production joint resembles the joint development tested within expected
productiontolerances.
Whenaproductiontestprocedureisused,thereisnoneedtouseatestfactor.Itensuresfreedomforeach
partfrombothproofandultimatefailuresuptotheleveloftheproductiontestload.Theproductiontest
load specified should be set at the specified proof load where the component is designed by the proof
criterion.Wherethecomponentisdesignedbytheultimatecriteriontheproductiontestlevelshouldbe
setatavaluehigherthanthespecifiedproofload.Thisshouldonlybedonewhentheproof/ultimateratio
ishigherthantheratioofthespecifiedproofandultimatefactors.
Theproposedmethodofproductiontestingshouldbetakenintoaccountwhendesigningthejoint.

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Annex A
Recommended Starting Values for Seating
Torque

A.1 Recommended values


TableA1Recommendedtorquesforunlubricatedfasteners
Fastener Nut/Insert Washer Size Recommended Preload
Torque(Nm) (N)
Titanium SteelNut Steel(1.4944.4) M4 2.4 2920
(3.7164)LN29950 (1.4944.4)LN ENN399 M5 6.0 6050
oxblank, 9161oxsilver
M6 11.0 8799
Ref.16.1 plated
M8 30.0 18100
Titanium SteelInsert Steel(1.4944.4) M4 3.0 1950
(3.7164)LN29950 (1.4301) ENN399 M5 7.3 4330
oxblank, LN9499 M6 14.0 6080
Ref.16.1
M8 36.0 13700
Titanium SteelCaptive Steel(1.4944.4) M4 2.7 1830
(3.7164)LN29950 Nut ENN399 M5 6.0 3850
oxblank, (1.4301)
M6 11.0 5480
Ref.16.1 LN9499
M8
Steel(1.4944.6) SteelInsert Steel MJ4
EN3328, (1.4301) (1.4944.4) MJ5
Ref.16.2 LN9499Silver ENN399 MJ6 12.5 7700
Plated
MJ8 33.5 15900
Steel M4 1.7 2970
(A270), M5 3.4 4850
Ref.16.3 M6 5.9 6850
M8 12.6 14500

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Fastener Nut/Insert Washer Size Recommended Preload


Torque(Nm) (N)
Steel M4 2.3 3960
(A280), M5 4.6 6470
Ref.16.3 M6 8.0 9130
M8 19.3 16700
NOTE1:Theappropriateseatingtorquedependsontherequirementsoftheparticularjoint.
NOTE2:TableA1showsrecommendedseatingtorquevalues(donotconsiderselflockingtorque)forthemost
frequentlyusedaerospacefastenermaterials;Ti6Al4V,A286,A270/80.
NOTE3:ThedatacoverthemostcommonmetricsizesfromM4toM8.
NOTE4:Thevaluesinthetableareonlyprovidedasaninitialestimateoftherequiredtorques,andareonly
intendedforuseatthebeginningofthedesignprocess.Allrelevantanalysesshouldstillbeperformedforthe
finaldesign.
NOTE5:Thedatashowunlubricatedfasteners.Iflubricationisused,attentionshouldbegiventotheincreased
preloadsinceoftenthepreloadwillbetoohigh.Insuchcases,theappliedtorqueshouldbereducedandall
relevantanalysesshouldbeperformed.
NOTE6:ItisadvisedtousetheminimumpossibletorquethatcansatisfythecriticalMoS(forgapping,
separation,etc)sincethiswillimprovefatiguelifeofthefastener.
NOTE7:SomespecificationslimitthemaximumpretensionforTi6Al4Vfastenersduetocreep.Whensuch
specificationsapply,thevaluestakenfromTableA1shouldbeadjustedaccordingly.
NOTE8:Inconel718andMP35Naresometimesusedashighstrengthfastenersbutnorecommendationsare
givenforinitialtorquevalues,rathertheanalysismethodsshouldbeusedfromthebeginningofthedesign
process.

A.2 References
A.1 MBBERNO EURECAProject,Doc:ERC12124HBER001,1986.

A.2 DaimlerBenz COLUMBUSProject,Doc:HB1213800002,1997.
Aerospace

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Annex B
Measured Friction Coefficients of Fasteners

TableB1FrictionCoefficientsofFastenersusedinEuropeanSpaceIndustry
UnlubricatedFasteners
Fastener Typeofnutorthreadedhole th ,max th ,min uh,max uh,min [
[4] 4]
M4, Anchornut(floating),LN29693
LN29949 Helicoil,bronzeCuSn6,LN9499 [1]
(A286) Nut,LN9161
M5, Anchornut(floating),LN29693 0.199 0.129 0.294 0.226
LN29949 Helicoil,bronzeCuSn6,LN9499[1] 0.176 0.118 0.335 0.222
(A286) Nut,LN9161 0.112 0.046 0.120 0.081
M6, Anchornut(floating),LN29693 0.176 0.086 0.296 0.179
LN29949 Helicoil,bronzeCuSn6,LN9499 [1] 0.119 0.062 0.302 0.222
(A286) Nut,LN9161 0.140 0.074 0.140 0.069
M8, Anchornut(floating),LN29693
LN29949 Helicoil,bronzeCuSn6,LN9499[1] 0.162 0.131 0.335 0.268
(A286) Nut,LN9161
Ti(3.7164) SteelNut(1.4944.4),oxsilverplated,LN 0.26 0.10 [3]
LN29950,ox 9161
blank[2] SteelInsert(1.4301),LN9499 0.34 0.18
SteelCaptiveNut(1.4301),LN9499 0.34 0.18
NOTE1:LN9499isonlyapplicableforCREShelicoils.ForaerospacejointsDIN655361shouldbeused
NOTE2:Steel(1.4944.4)ENN399washerwasusedwiththisfastener
NOTE3:Nodataavailable
NOTE4:FlangematerialAA7075T7351

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Annex C
Typical Friction Coefficients for Joint
Materials

TableC1TypicalthreadandUnderheadFrictionCoefficients
Friction Rangefor Selectionoftypicalexamples
coefficient thanduh
class Materialsurfaces Lubricants
A 0.04to0.10 metallicallybright solidlubricants,suchas
blackoxide MoS2,graphite,PTFE,PA,PE,
phosphated PI

galvaniccoatingssuchas inlubricatingvarnishes,astop
coats
Zn,Zn/Fe,Zn/Ni
orinpastes;
Zinclaminatedcoatings
liquefiedwax
waxdispersions
B 0.08to0.16 metallicallybright solidlubricants,suchas
blackoxide MoS2,graphite,PTFE,PA,PE,
phosphated PI

galvaniccoatingssuchas inlubricatingvarnishes,astop
coats
Zn,Zn/Fe,Zn/Ni
orinpastes;
Zinclaminatedcoatings
LIQUEFIED WAX;
AlandMgalloys
waxdispersions,greases;

oils;deliverystate
hotgalvanized MoS2;graphite;
waxdispersions
organiccoatings withintegratedsolidlubricant
orwaxdispersion
austeniticsteel solidlubricantsorwaxes;pastes

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Friction Rangefor Selectionoftypicalexamples


coefficient thanduh
class Materialsurfaces Lubricants
C 0.14to0.24 austeniticsteel waxdispersions,pastes

metallicallybright deliverystate(lightlyoiled)
phosphated
galvaniccoatingssuchas none
Zn,Zn/Fe,Zn/Ni
Zinclaminatedcoatings
D 0.20to0.35 austeniticsteel oil

galvaniccoatingssuchas none
Zn,Zn/Fe;
hotgalvanized
E 0.30 galvaniccoatingssuchas none
Zn/Fe,Zn/Ni
austeniticsteel
Al,Mgalloys
NOTE:TabletakenfromReferenceVDI

TableC2FrictionCoefficientsforCommonJointMaterials(fromReference8.3)
Materialcombination Staticfrictioncoefficient
Dry Lubricated
Steelsteel/caststeel 0,1to0,23 0,07to0,12
Steelgraycastiron 0,12to0,24 0,06to0,1
Graycastirongraycastiron 0,15to0,3 0,2
Bronzesteel 0,12to0,28 0,18
Graycastironbronze 0,28 0,15to0,2
Steelcopperalloy 0,07
Steelaluminumalloy 0,1to0,28 0,05to0,18
Aluminumaluminum 0,21
NOTE:TabletakenfromReferenceVDI

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Annex D
Material Data of Fasteners Typically Used in
Aerospace Industry

D.1 Overview
Ashortcompendiumofmaterialdataneededforboltanalysesofthemostcommonfastenermaterialsin
spaceindustryisgiveninthetablesbelow.

D.2 Stainless Steel


TableD1StainlesssteelA286
MaterialSpecification A286
Alternativenotationsforthismaterial 1.4944 AISI660
Temperature Roomtemperature
PropertyReferenceSource GermanAviationMaterialHandbook
Condition 1.4944.4 1.4944.6
MaterialBasis A B S A B S
tensileyield [N/mm] 660 950
strengthy
tensileultimate [N/mm] 960 1100
strengthu
shearyield [N/mm] 548
strengthy
shearultimate [N/mm] 595 655
strengthu
E(Youngs [N/mm] 201000
modulus)
(Poissonratio) [] 0.31
(density[g/cm] [g/cm] 7.95
Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial LN29949

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TableD2StainlesssteelA270andA280
MaterialSpecification A2
Alternativenotationsforthismaterial 1.4301,1.4541 AISI301304,AISI321
Temperature Roomtemperature
PropertyReferenceSource DIN267Teil11
Condition A270 A280
MaterialBasis A B S A B S
tensileyield [N/mm] 450 600
strengthy
tensileultimate [N/mm] 700 800
strengthu
shearultimate [N/mm] 420 480
strengthu
E(Youngs [N/mm] 193000200000
modulus)
(Poissonratio) [] 0.29
(density[g/cm]) [g/cm] 8.00
Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial DIN912,DIN7991

TableD3Stainlesssteelcustom455
MaterialSpecification custom455
Alternativenotationsforthismaterial
Temperature Roomtemperature
PropertyReferenceSource MILHDBK5H
Condition H1000
MaterialBasis A B S A B S
tensileyield [N/mm] 1345
strengthy
tensileultimate [N/mm] 1413
strengthu
shearultimate [N/mm] 850
strengthu
E(Youngsmodulus) [N/mm] 200000
(Poissonratio) [] 0.30
(density[g/cm]) [g/cm] 7.76
Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial

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TableD4StainlesssteelPH138Mo
MaterialSpecification PH138Mo
lternativenotationsforthismaterial 1.4534
Temperature Roomtemperature

PropertyReferenceSource MILHDBK5H
Condition H950 H1000
MaterialBasis A B S A B S

tensileyield [N/mm] 1365 1413 1310 1379


strengthy

tensileultimate [N/mm] 1496 1524 1386 1434


strengthu
shearultimate [N/mm] 900 915 807 841
strengthu
E(Youngs [N/mm] 195000
modulus)

(Poissonratio) [] 0.28

(density[g/cm] [g/cm] 7.72


Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial

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D.3 Nickel and Nickel/Cobalt Based Alloys


TableD5Inconel718
MaterialSpecification Inconel718
Alternativenotationsforthismaterial 2.4668
Temperature Roomtemperature
PropertyReferenceSource GermanAviationMaterialHandbookandMIL
HDBK5H
Condition 2.4668.7 2.4668.9
MaterialBasis A B S A B S
tensileyieldstrength [N/mm] 1040 1440
y
tensileultimate [N/mm] 1240 1550
strengthu
shearultimate [N/mm] 785 885
strengthu
E(Youngs [N/mm] 203000
modulus)
(Poissonratio) [] 0.29
(density[g/cm] [g/cm] 8.19
Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial

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TableD6MP35N
MaterialSpecification MP35N
Temperature Roomtemperature
PropertyReferenceSource MILHDBK5H
Condition Solutiontreated,colddrawnandaged
MaterialBasis A B S A B S
tensileyieldstrength [N/mm] 1586
y
tensileultimate [N/mm] 1793
strengthu
shearultimate [N/mm] 1000
strengthu
E(Youngs [N/mm] 234500
modulus)
(Poissonratio) []
(density[g/cm]) [g/cm] 8.26
Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial

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D.4 Titanium Alloys


TableD7Ti6Al4V
MaterialSpecification Ti6Al4V
Alternativenotationsforthismaterial 3.7164
Temperature Roomtemperature
PropertyReferenceSource GermanAviationMaterialHandbook
Condition 3.7164.1
MaterialBasis A B S
tensileyield [N/mm] 830 925
strengthy
tensileultimate [N/mm] 900 980
strengthu
shearultimate [N/mm] 570 600 570
strengthu
E(Youngsmodulus) [N/mm] 113800
(Poissonratio) [] 0.342
(density[g/cm]) [g/cm] 4.43
Fastenertypesmadeofthismaterial LN29950

D.5 References
D.1 GermanAviationMaterial
Handbook

D.2 DIN267Teil11

D.3 MILHDBK5H

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Other Useful References


1B

The documents listed below are of general interest for the field of threaded fasteners and/or were
referencesbypreviousversionsofthishandbook.

NASASTD5001 Structural design and test factors of safety for spaceflight


hardware

G.Meyer&D.Strelow SimpleDiagramsAidinAnalysingForcesinBoltedJoints,
AssemblyEngineeringJan.1972pp.2833

K.H.Illgmer&D.Blume SchraubenVademecum,BauerandSchaurteKaracherAug.1983

J.H. Bickford An Introduction to the Design and Behaviour of Bolted Joints,
MarcelDekker,1981

G.H. Junker & P.W. TheBoltedJoint:EconomyofDesignThroughImprovedAnalysis
Wallace and Assembly Methods, Proc. Instn. Mech. Engrs.Vol.198BNo.
14.,1984

S.D.Rossides Behaviour of a Simple Tension Joint with Fasteners Tightened
into Yield,BritishAerospaceReportBT.12065July1981

D.J.Light TorqueTension Literature Surrey, B.A.C. (G.W. Div) Report
ST.148571975

E.P.Donald Pretension Diagrams for Bolted Joints, AeronauticalJournal Feb.
1981

J.Cherry A Finite Element Analysis of the Pressure Distribution in Bolted
Joints,BritishAerospacereportBT21927June1987.

(VonMisesCriterion)

W.Thomala Zur Brechnung der erforderlichen Mutterhhe bei
Schraubenverbindungen,Konstruktion47(1995)

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JUNKERO.H. TheBoltedJoint:EconomyofDesignThroughImprovedAnalysis
andAssemblyMethodsProc.I.Mech.E.Vol.198B,No.14.,1984
WALLACEP.W.

BROBERGH. SkrurfrbandDimensioneringMonteringIufresultat82611,
July1983
CHERRYJ. A Finite Element Analysis of the Pressure Distribution in Bolted
Joints,BritishAerospacereportBT21927,June1987.

HERTELW,PAULW, InsertDesignHandbook
WAGNERD ERN3442/7728IssA.
RAYMONDL. Infinite Life High Strength Bolts. Assembly Engineering. April
1975.

KELLERMANR Bolts for light weight construction made of ultra high strength
steelsandtitaniumalloys.
TURLACHG.

BROEKD. ElementryEngineeringFractureMechanics
Norrdhof(Netherlands)1974.

DEKONINGA.U., Assessment of 3D Stress Intensity Factor Distributions for Nut
SupportedThreadedRodsandBolt/NutAssemblies
LOF,C.J.,
NLRCR96692L,NationalAerospaceLaboratory(NLR),1996.
SCHRA,L

MCICREPORTS CracksatStructuralHolesMarch1975.

MCICHB01 Damage Tolerant Design Handbook A compilation of Fracture
and CrackGrowth Data for HighStrength Alloys. Metals and
CeramicsInformationCentre,Battelle.

ROOKED.P. CompendiumofStressIntensityFactors
&CARTWRIGHTD.J. HerMajestysStationaryOffice
1976.

AvP32,AvP932,AvP970andtheirsuccessors.
DesignCriteriaforControllingStress

NASA CorrosionCrackingMSFCSPEC522A
November1977.

236

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