Research on movement of dimensional singularities without elastic interaction in gasketed joints

Abstract

Loss of clamping force due to elastic interaction is unpredictable and nonnegligible with the typical non-linear characteristics of gasketed joints. It is hard to weaken or eliminate elastic interaction by suitable joint dimensions. An analytical model of elastic interaction with dimensional representation is constructed using gasket deformation as a bridge. The influence of multi-dimensional dimensions on clamping force losses, such as bolt spacing, joint width and thickness, was explored by non-linear finite element analysis for a typical sandwich structure with two-bolt gasketed joints. Dimensional singularities without elastic interaction are validated and their approximate range is determined. It is clarified that initial clamping force or joint material can cause dimensional singularity movement. This paper provides a theoretical basis for solving the problem of clamping force losses and inhomogeneities effected by elastic interactions in engineering.