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Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the mechanical properties of helical thread connection

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Abstract

Conventional analytical and numerical methods for the mechanical properties of helical threads are relied on many assumptions and approximations and thus hardly yield satisfied results. A parameterized 3D finite element model of bolted joints with real helical thread geometry is established and meshed with refined hexahedral elements. The Von Mises plasticity criterion, kinematic hardening rule of materials and interfacial contacts are employed to make it possible for the suggested model be able to approach real assembly conditions. Then, the mechanical properties of bolted joints with different thread pitches, thread numbers and modular ratios are investigated, including the contact pressure distribution at joint interfaces, the axial load distribution and stress concentration in screw threads during the loading and unloading process. Simulation results indicate that the load distribution in screw threads produced by the suggested model agrees well the results from CHEN’s photoelastic tests. In addition, an interesting phenomenon is found that tightening the bolt with a large preload first and then adjusting the clamping force by unloading can make the load distribution more uniform and reduce the maximum residual equivalent stress in thread roots by up to 40%. This research provides a simple and practical approach to constructing the 3D finite element model and predicting the mechanical properties of helical thread connection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049, China

    Guoqing Yang, Jun Hong, Linbo Zhu, Baotong Li & Fei Wang

  2. College of Electromechanical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China

    Guoqing Yang & Meihua Xiong

Authors
  1. Guoqing Yang
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  2. Jun Hong
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  3. Linbo Zhu
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  4. Baotong Li
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  5. Meihua Xiong
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  6. Fei Wang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jun Hong.

Additional information

This project is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 50935006), Major Project of High-end CNC Machine Tool and Basic Manufacturing Equipment of China (Grant No. 2011ZX04016-031), and National Hi-tech Research and Development Program of China (863 Program, Grant No. 2012AA040701)

YANG Guoqing, born in 1976, is currently a PhD candidate at State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. He received his master degree on mechatronics from Central South University, China, in 2004. His research interests include mechatronics engineering and digital design.

HONG Jun, born in 1968, is currently a professor at Xi’an Jiaotong University, China. He received his PhD degree from Xi’an Jiaotong Universtiy, China, in 2001. His research interests include mechatronics engineering and digital design.

ZHU Linbo, born in 1985, is currently a PhD candidate at State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.

LI Baotong, born in 1982, is currently a PhD candidate at State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.

XIONG Meihua, born in 1976, is currently a Lecturer at Hunan University of Science and Technology, China.

WANG Fei, born in 1987, is currently a master candidate at State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing Systems Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.

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Yang, G., Hong, J., Zhu, L. et al. Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the mechanical properties of helical thread connection. Chin. J. Mech. Eng. 26, 564–572 (2013). https://doi.org/10.3901/CJME.2013.03.564

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.3901/CJME.2013.03.564

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