Engineering calculation method on the spring constant of bolt-flange assembly.

Abstract

In this study, the interface pressure distribution of the bolt-flange assembly was measured by means of the ultrasonic waves method using the transducer of focus type and a simplified calculation method of the spring constant of the bolt-flange assembly has been suggested on the basis of the measured results. To confirm the validity of the proposed method, a rigidity of the corresponding bolt-flange assembly has been investigated for the same specimens, and it can be observed that the calculation and measured results are in good agreement. In addition to the rigidity test, the effect of the surface roughness has also been investigated in detail, and it can be found that the joint surface with smaller roughness has larger effects on the interface pressure distribution.