The Bolted Joint

This online, instructor-supported course presents the basics on an important element of many products, systems, and structures: the bolted joint. Learn the fundamentals of bolts and bolted joints, including their strength, behavior, design approaches and failure prevention.

Beginning with an introduction to the basic mechanics, thread standards and materials for the bolted joint and its components, the student gains an appreciation of the challenges presented to the designer and user to apply and maintain a safe and appropriate clamping load for various applications.  The behavior of bolted joints is examined during assembly, and in-service.  Failure mechanisms are reviewed and avoidance guidelines given including self-loosening, fatigue and corrosion.  Clamping force reduction mechanisms are presented including elastic interaction, thermal and mechanical effects.  Bolted joint assembly is considered including discussion of various load control methods, including torque, turn of nut, and stretch and tension control, with the latest on lubricant research.

The broad goal of this course is for the student to be able to diagnose and solve bolted joint problems, specify appropriate assembly practices, and design safe and stable bolted joints including the calculation of pre-load.  Illustrative case histories, real life examples, and calculation examples reinforce the learning process.

You Will Learn To

• Calculate the forces in bolted joints and establishing specific torque; calculate bolt area, stresses, component and overall joint stiffness
• Explain how to increase functional life of a joint and analyze joints and failure mechanisms
• Explain how to reduce fastener-related warranty and rework costs
• Identify failure mechanisms such as pre-load loss, fatigue, and self-loosening; and the means to avoid them
• Explain the general behavior of bolted joints during assembly, and Inservice
• Identify the thread classes, tolerances, and allowances
• Describe the merits of torque, turn of nut, stretch and direct tension methods of assembly load control
• Explain stress distributions and stiffness relationships for components and the entire joint
• Describe load diagrams and loading planes and apply them to specific examples
• Apply the concepts of the generalized German VDI bolted joint analysis procedure to example exercises
• Estimate bolt pre-load loss during assembly and how to compensate for it
• Explain how to develop assembly procedures, specify bolting patterns, and lubricants
• Identify and mitigate clamp force loss in thermally sensitive joints

Required Reading
You are required to obtain either one of the following:
Bickford, John, H. (1997).  An Introduction to Design and Behavior of Bolted Joints, 3^rd Edition.  New York: CRC Press; or
Bickford, John, H. & Payne, James, R. (2007).  Introduction to the Design and Behavior of Bolted Joints: Non-Gasketed Joints, 4^th Edition, Volume 1. New York: CRC Press.

Who Should Attend
Practicing design and manufacturing professionals involved in assembly of electro-mechanical hardware components and engineers and technicians in design and assembly operations.  Two years of engineering experience would be beneficial, but is not necessary.

To take this course you should have a personal computer, Web browser, Internet connection, and software to display PDF files (such as Adobe Reader^®).