Simulate Bolt connection

A connector is a mechanism that defines how an entity (vertex, edge, face) is connected to another entity or to the ground. Using connectors simplifies modeling because, in many cases, you can simulate the desired behavior without having to create the detailed geometry or define contact conditions.A Bolt  can connect two components, multiple components, or a component and the ground. You can define bolts through a mixed stack of solids, shells and sheet metal bodies.

There are three commonly used strength parameters for bolts to estimate bolt failure. Yield strength, Ultimate Strength and Proof Strength (90% of Yield strength). The most commonly used parameter is the Yield strength of the bolt's material or grade, but users should choose a strength value that is most appropriate for the application.

The bolt connector formulation is an approximation of a complex nonlinear behavior. It provides accurate results when the bolts are under tension. In loading scenarios where the bolts are under compressive loads, the axial forces of bolt connectors may not be accurate. In such cases, a decrease in preload bolt force can result in a "loosening" of the bolt and loss of contact between the bolt and the components. This behavior cannot be captured by the bolt connector formulation in Simulation. For these cases, model the actual bolt and define no penetration contact sets between the bolt and the components.

Rajat Trehan

Product Manager – Design Validation

Computer Aided Technology Inc.