Automatic

Bolted
Connection
This guide is made for non-experienced FEA
users. It provides basic knowledge needed to
bolt connections quickly.

Experienced FEA analysts can also use this

guide to get used to the NFX workflow.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Bolted Connection .………………………....... 3
Joint Simulation ……...………...…………....... 4
How to model ? …………..………………....... 5
Bolt Results ……………………………………. 9
 1 Bolted Connection
Pin/Bolt feature is used to connect two components, multiple
components or single components and the grounds by the
predefined type of connectors.

Bolt is used to simulate bolted connections.

Nut

Component 1
Washer

Component 2
Shank

Bolt

Head

Components of bolted connection

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 2 Joint Simulation
In midas NFX the joint is modelled using the following
method:

-1D elements are used to represent the shank/stud of the

bolt.
- RBE elements are used to represent the nut and head.

1D Bar element

RBE elements

This method transfers all the loads and incorporates the

bending effects, without using line or solid elements.

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 3 How to model?
1. Prepare and simplify the geometry for bolted connection.

2. Using Imprint or the Auto Connect tool, project the head

and washer curves onto the component plates.

Projected curves

Page 5
 4 How to model?
3. Mesh the parts that are needed to create a joint.

4. Run the Bolt command and select nodes from the washer
and head surfaces for your joint.

Nodes from Head of the Bolt

Nodes from Washer

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 5 How to model?
5. Define Pre-loading if necessary. You can choose between
Force and Moment as preload.

6. Click on Property button to

specify the stud parameters.

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 6 How to model?
7. Click OK to create Bolt elements with pre-tension.

Created Bolt Connector

8. Add Constraints and Define the Contact element between

the surfaces of the Components.

Contact Faces

Boundary Conditions

Page 8
 7 Bolt Results
Display the Results.

Total Translation result

in assembly

Von Mises Stress result

in Bolt element

Page 9
 Now you are
ready to go !”
Please contact us if you have any questions
during your trial:
Email: info@midasfea.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 1908 776717