Bolted Connection Generator - Calculation tab

This tab extends the Design tab. You can calculate bolted connection data based on selections in the Design tab.

Access:

Ribbon: Design tab Fasten panel Bolted Connection and then click the Calculation tab.
Note: Calculation tab is not available if you disable the calculation solve by clicking the Enables/disables calculation command.

Type of Strength Calculation

Bolt Diameter Design

Calculates the bolt diameter with respect to the specified load, geometric dimensions of joint, material properties, safety coefficient, and other factors.

Bolt Number Design

Calculates the necessary number of bolts with respect to the specified load, geometric dimensions of the joint (including the specified bolt dimensions), material properties, safety coefficient, and other factors.

Bolt Material Design

Select this option if geometric dimensions and number of bolts are fixed by the design, and the loading capacity can only be affected by the change of material.

Check Calculation

Performs the strength check of a bolt during tightening and during operation, and checks allowable pressure in threads. This option is set as default option.

Loads

Max. Axial Force

Specifies the value of maximum operating force. A schematic picture of the bolted connection shows the direction of force action.

Max. Tangent Force

Specifies the maximum operation tangent force. A schematic picture of the bolted connection shows the direction of force action.

Tightness Factor

Specifies a value that varies within the range of Ψ = (1.2 to 2.2). Its meaning can be understood from the prestress joint diagram. If no specific joint tightness is required, its minimum value is used Ψ = 1). Dynamic loading (for example, connecting rod bolts) requires higher values.

Force Input Factor

The button next to the edit field displays a help table so you can select one of the four options of force input factor values.

Joint Friction Factor

Specifies the friction coefficient between the materials to connect.

Required Safety Factor

The value is selected according to the required safety level of the joint.

Plates Material

Select the spring material and its properties. Click to open the Material Database where you can select the appropriate material

DANGER: Strength parameters of material are determined empirically and reflect minimum values applicable for a group of materials. Although these values are close to the values obtained using measurement of particular materials, we recommend in cases of final calculations to use the parameters of material according to the material sheet or specifications of the producer.

Material

Specify material or select it from Material Database.

 

If a material is selected from the Material Database, its values are inserted automatically into the following edit fields, and the edit fields are locked. To unlock the fields clear the box.

Joint Properties

Functional Width

Width of the connected materials used in the calculation.

Bolt

Specifies or calculates the number of bolts in the bolted connection, their dimensions, material and properties (Thread Diameter, Pitch, Mean Bolt Diameter, Min. Bolt Diameter)

Bolt Material

Yield Strength

Specifies the yield strength of the bolt/bolts.

Allowable Thread Pressure

Maximal Allowable tread pressure - the value that you enter is compared with value of p c (Thread Pressure) - this is the calculated value and it is calculated according to a following formula: p a = 4 * F max / p (d^2 - d 1 ^2)(0.8 d / p).

See the Engineer's Handbook for a table with allowable thread pressure values according to the ISO standard.

Thread Friction Factor

Presents values of the friction coefficient in the thread between the nut and bolt in the table.

Head Friction Factor

Displays friction coefficients in the contact surface between the nut/bolt head and connected material in the table.

(More)

Displays additional options for bolted connection design. To display the More Options area, click More in the right lower corner of the Calculation Tab.

If the boxes are checked, the diameter values are automatically inserted by the calculation. To change the values, clear the boxes.

Results

To display the Results area on the right side of the Calculation and Design tabs, double-click the double line on the right or click the chevron.

Displays the calculated values such as Prestress Force or Thread Pressure. Click Calculate to display the values.

Note: The Results area displays appropriate results to calculate to get the proper dimensions of the bolted connection.

For information about used formulas for bolted connection calculation, see Engineer's Handbook.

Following output parameters are displayed in the Results pane:

Summary of Messages

Displays the reports about calculation. To open the Summary of Messages area at the bottom of the Calculation and Design tabs, double-click the double line at the bottom of tabs or click the chevron at the bottom of the tabs. The Message area incorporates a summary for all calculations (state and fatigue).

Toolbar commands