Finite Element Analysis of a Locked Bolt With an Initial Crack

Abstract

Bolted connections are largely employed in various types of engineering structures to transfer loads from one member to another. In particular, the off-shore industry has made extensive use of these connections, predominantly at the sub-sea level. In spite of their advantages, bolted joints are critical regions and may become sources of structural weakness due to large stress concentrations. Under severe operating conditions, micro-cracks can develop in the bolt, creating regions of elevated stress which may significantly reduce the integrity of the connection and ultimately lead to failure. This paper presents the three-dimensional finite element analysis of a steel locked bolt assembly aimed to assess the effect of micro-cracks on the structural integrity of the assembly using the commercial finite element package ANSYS. Non-linear contact between the bolt and nut threads is considered, where frictional sliding between components is allowed. A bi-linear isotropic hardening model is used to account for non-linear material behavior. The assembly is loaded by applying a pre-load of fifty percent of the yield stress of the material, according to the API-6A Norm. Two geometric models are investigated: a healthy locked bolt assembly with no initial cracks; and a damaged model, where a circular crack is introduced at the root of the bolt threads. The effect of the crack size is studied by modeling the crack with three different radius sizes. The J-Integral fracture mechanics methodology was used to study the stress concentrations in the damaged model.