Semi-analytical modeling and vibration analysis of bolted frame structure under non-uniform pretension

Abstract

Most of the frame structures in mechanical equipment are connected by bolts, and the non-uniform pretension among the bolts will have an obvious impact on the vibration characteristic parameters of the frame structure. In this paper, semi-analytical modeling and vibration analysis of a frame structure considering non-uniform pretension of bolts are carried out based on the Timoshenko beam theory and Rayleigh-Ritz method. Specifically, a method is proposed to decompose the frame structure into several substructures and model them respectively, and further the coupling springs are applied among the substructures. Through the vibration test of a beam lap structure with a bolted joint, the analytical expressions between bolt pretension and bolted joint stiffness and damping parameters are obtained. Moreover, the method of simulating the non-uniform pretension among each bolted joint is proposed. Considering the external factors such as reinforcing rib structures and flexible rod exciter, and a complete semi-analytical dynamic model of the bolted frame structure introducing the non-uniform pretension is further established. A case study is carried out on a frame structure that contains four connecting bolts with non-uniform pretension. The natural characteristics of the frame structure are solved by using the developed modeling method, and the rationality of the analysis results is verified by experiments. Based on this, the increasing trends of the resonant frequencies and the resonant response of the frame structure under different pretension conditions are analyzed from two aspects of experiment and simulation.