Numerical study of self-loosening of a bolted assembly under transversal load

¹ Dynamics of Mechanical Systems Research Unit, National School of Engineers of Sfax, BP 1173-3038, Sfax, Tunisia
² Clement Ader Institute, University of Toulouse, National Institute of Applied Sciences of Toulouse, 31077 Toulouse, France

^a Corresponding author: olfa.ing@gmail.com

Received: 28 May 2015
Accepted: 23 November 2015

Abstract

Self-loosening of bolts is a problem encountered in many industrial fields, and especially in aviation. The purpose of this paper is to study the self-loosening phenomenon numerically through an assembly consisting of two plates assembled by a bolt and subjected to a transversal dynamic load. First, a 3D finite element model is developed, with contact elements and all geometrical details, including the real thread geometry with its helix angle. This leads to many degrees of freedom and long calculation time. Then a 1D simulation is made, based on a simplified model with only 4 degrees of freedom and few contact conditions. Calculation is nearly instantaneous. Both models describe the succession of sticking and slipping on contact surfaces and predict loosening of the assembly. They provide close results. The next step will be to compare their behaviour with an experimental approach, in order to validate and fit the models.