A New Approach to Model Bolted Flange Joints With Full Face Gaskets

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Hichem Galai
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Flexibility Analysis ◽  
Load Change ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Numerical Finite Element ◽  
Full Face ◽  
Bolted Flange

The poor leakage performance of flanges with full face gaskets is attributed to the low reliability of the existing design methods, and in particular, their lack of assessing accurately the bolt and gasket load changes. The prediction of tightness of bolted joints relies very much on the level of precision of the gasket contact stress during operation. The accurate evaluation of this stress requires a flexibility analysis of the joint that includes the flange, gasket, and bolts, and the interaction between them. This paper analyzes the distribution of gasket stress and the load change in bolted joints with full face gaskets. It proposes a simple analytical approach capable of predicting flange rotation and bolt load change during operation. The method is based on the gasket-bolt-flange elastic interaction, including flange rotational flexibility. The proposed model is supported by comparison with numerical finite element analysis of different size flanges.

Bolted Flange Joints With Full Face Gaskets: An Analytical Approach Based on Flexibility

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Hichem Galai
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Approach ◽  
Design Method ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Low Leakage ◽  
Load Change ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Asme Code ◽  
Full Face ◽  
Bolted Flange

The low leakage performance of flanges with full face gaskets is attributed to the reliability of the design method used in Appendix 2 and Appendix Y of the ASME code in assessing accurately the bolt and gasket load changes. The prediction of tightness of these bolted joints relies very much on the level of precision of the gasket contact stress during operation. The evaluation of this stress requires a flexibility analysis of the joint including the flange the gasket and bolt and the interaction between them. This paper analyses the distribution of gasket stress and the load change in bolted joints with full face gaskets. It proposes a simple analytical approach capable of predicting flange rotation and bolt load change during operation. The method is based on the gasket-bolt-flange elastic interaction, including flange rotational flexibility. The proposed model is supported by comparison with numerical FEA of different size flanges.

Analytical Modeling of Bolted Flange Joints With Full Face Gaskets

2004 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hichem Galai ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid
Keyword(s):  
Contact Stress ◽  
Analytical Modeling ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Low Leakage ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Asme Code ◽  
The Many ◽  
Full Face ◽  
Bolted Flange

Following the low leakage performance of flat face flanges, neither Appendix 2 nor Appendix Y of the ASME code which describes the design rules of flanges, are reliable to assess load changes when full face gaskets are used. The prediction of the tightness of these connections relies very much on the level of precision of the gasket contact stress during operation. However, determining this stress is complex, due to the many geometric and material parameters involved. This paper analyses the behaviour of bolted joints with full face gaskets. It presents an analytical approach to evaluate the operating flange rotation, gasket load and contact stress that may be used for leak prediction. The method is based on the gasket-bolt-flange elastic interaction, including flange rotational flexibility. The proposed model is supported by comparison with numerical FEA of different size flanges.

Numerical Simulation of the Assembly Process of Bolted Flange Joints Used in Rotating Machinery

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linbo Zhu ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Jun Hong ◽  
Zhenming Shi
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Rotating Machinery ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Fe Method ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Bolt Preload ◽  
Bolted Flange

Abstract Bolted joints are widely used to connect structural components in rotating machinery. However, the initial tightening of the bolts is a delicate operation because it is extremely difficult to achieve the target load and uniformity due to elastic interaction. The scatter in the bolt preload has a major impact on the concentricity and consequently the dynamic behavior of rotating machinery. The risk of failure due to vibration and fatigue under service loading becomes an issue. This paper treats the effect of elastic interaction on the eccentricity during the tightening of bolted joints of rotating machinery using finite element (FE) method. In this regard, a two-component bolted flange joint of a high pressure compressor (HPC) of an aero-engine is investigated. The component surface tolerances measured by Rotary Precision Instruments (RPI) are taken into account in the numerical simulation. A method is proposed to calculate the concentricity of components obtained from the radial runout data based on the Least Square method (LSM). The scatter in bolt preload under different interference fit, surfaces tolerance, initial preload, and tightening sequence are evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of these structures and tightening sequence parameters on the concentricity are investigated. The validity of the finite element analysis is supported by experimental tests conducted on scaled specimens of HPC. This study can provide guidance and enhance the dynamic performance of bolted joints for rotating machinery.

Analytical Modeling of Flat Face Flanges With Metal-to-Metal Contact Beyond the Bolt Circle

2010 ◽  
Vol 132 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hichem Galai ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid
Keyword(s):  
Plate Theory ◽  
Beam Theory ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Metal Contact ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Design Rules ◽  
Load Change ◽  
American Society ◽  
Analytical Approaches

Design rules for flat face flanges with metal-to-metal contact beyond the bolt circle are covered by Appendix Y of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Code. These design rules are based on Schneider’s work (1968, “Flat Faces Flanges With Metal-to-Metal Contact Beyond the Bolt Circle,” ASME J. Eng. Power, 90(1), pp. 82–88). The prediction of tightness of these bolted joints relies very much on the level of precision of the self-sealing gasket compression during operation. The evaluation of this compression requires a rigorous flexibility analysis of the joint including bolt-flange elastic interaction. This paper analyses flange separation and the bolt load change in flat face bolted joints. It proposes two different analytical approaches capable of predicting flange rotation and bolt load change during operation. The first method is based on the beam theory applied to a continuous flange sector. This approach is an improvement of the discrete beam theory used in the Schneider model. The second method is based on the circular plate theory and is developed for the purpose of a more accurate assessment of the load changes. As in the Taylor Forge method, this approach is, in general, better suited than the beam theory for flat face flanges, in particular when the flange width is small. The proposed models are compared with the discrete beam theory and validated using numerical finite element analysis on different flange sizes.

scholarly journals An Analytical Model for Rotation Stiffness and Deformation of an Antiloosening Nut under Locking Force

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. J. Jiang ◽  
J. Hong ◽  
G. Q. Shao ◽  
L. B. Zhu ◽  
Y. S. Zhu
Keyword(s):  
Friction Torque ◽  
Design Calculation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Deformation Problem ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Rotation Stiffness ◽  
Machine Elements ◽  
Applied Forces ◽  
Numerical Finite Element ◽  
Contact Stress Distribution

Screw fasteners are undoubtedly one of the most important machine elements due to their outstanding characteristic to provide a high clamping force just with a simplified design. However, the loosen vibration is their inherent and inevitable fault. The friction locking approach is one of the basic locking fastener categories by enhancing the bearing load on the contact surface of thread by applying a locking force on an antiloosening nut. This locking force may cause more severe deformation in the nut. The contact stress distribution on the nut would be changed and that can cause the variation of the friction torque for the bolt joint. However, there exists no established design calculation procedure that accounts for the rotation deformation and its stiffness of the antiloosening nut under the locking force. The main objective of the work is to develop an analytical solution to the rotation deformation problem encountered in the antiloosening nut. The proposed model is supported by comparison with numerical finite element analysis of different sizes of joint elements and different applied forces.

A Novel Methodology to Optimize the Tightening Sequence in Bolted Flange Joints

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linbo Zhu ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Jun Hong
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Successful Operation ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Bolt Preload ◽  
Safety And Reliability ◽  
Complex Structural ◽  
Leakage Failure ◽  
Bolted Flange

Abstract Bolted flange joints are the most complex structural components of pressure vessels and piping equipment. Their assembly is a delicate task that determines their successful operation during the service life. During bolt tightening, it is very difficult to achieve uniformity of the target bolt preload due to elastic interaction and criss-cross talk. The risk of leakage failure under service loading is consequently increased because of the scatter of the bolt preload. In previous work, an analytical model based on the theory of circular beams on linear elastic foundation was proposed to predict the bolt tension change due to elastic interaction. Based on this model, this paper presents a novel methodology for the optimization of the tightening sequence. The target preload and the load to be applied to each bolt in each pass can be calculated to achieve uniform final preload and avoid bolt tension reaching yield under a number of specified tightening passes. The validity of the approach is supported by experimental tests conducted on a NPS 4 class 900 welding neck flange joint and by finite element analysis on this bolted joint using the criss-cross tightening and sequential patterns. This study provides guidelines for bolted flange joints assembly and enhances its safety and reliability by minimizing bolt tension scatter due to elastic interaction.

Self-Loosening Mechanism of Nuts Due to Lateral Motion of Fastened Plate

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasumasa Shoji ◽  
Toshiyuki Sawa ◽  
Hiroshi Yamanaka
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Finite Element ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Lateral Motion ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
New Approach ◽  
The Finite Element Analysis ◽  
Mechanical Element ◽  
Vibration Tests

As self-loosening of nuts is really a problem for bolted joints in practical use, countermeasures for the loosening is highly required. In this situation non-loosening fasteners are one of the resolutions for any fastened machinery as an essential mechanical element. Self-loosening of threaded bolt/nut systems has been researched in number of works and most researches were based on experiment and a few were based on the finite element analysis in these years. Using this new approach, various types of nuts can also be examined. Among these nuts eccentric nuts and slit nuts are especially expected to be the solution, as these nuts are reported to endure NAS vibration tests and were not loosened. In the authors’ previous paper, an eccentric nut and a normal nut were analyzed and compared in the aspect of loosening property. In this paper degree of loosening of various nuts was investigated by experiment and the FEA.

A New Approach for Determining Bolt Load of Eccentric Bolted Joints

2014 ◽  
Vol 668-669 ◽  
pp. 115-118
Author(s):  
Xi Wang Wang ◽  
Xiao Yang Li ◽  
Xiao Guang Wang ◽  
Lin Lin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Fatigue Loading ◽  
Bolted Joints ◽  
Bolted Joint ◽  
Bolted Connection ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Nonlinear Variation ◽  
Linear Elastic ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Service Load ◽  
Interface Contact

Bolt load in a bolted connection directly influence the safety of a design in regard to both static and fatigue loading as well as in the prevention of separation in the connection. When the separating force is applied off the bolt center, although the materials for the bolted joint remain in the linear elastic range, the interface contact area between the clamped plates is sensitive to both the magnitude and the location of the separating force. This often causes nonlinear variation of the bolt load, the deformation etc. An analytical model is proposed to obtain the expression for the nonlinear bolt load under a separating service load. Finite element modeling is used for evaluating the accuracy of the proposed model.

Analytical Modelling of Elastic Interaction in Bolted Flange Gasketed Joints

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linbo Zhu ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Jun Hong
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Model ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Leakage Failure ◽  
Bolted Flange

Bolted flange joints are widely used in the fossil and nuclear power plants and other industrial complex. During their assembly, it is extremely difficult to achieve the target bolt preload and tightening uniformity due to elastic interaction. In addition to the severe service loadings the initial bolt load scatter increases the risk of leakage failure. The objective of this paper is to present an analytical model to predict the bolt tension change due to elastic interaction during the sequence of initial tightening. The proposed analytical model is based on the theory of circular beams on linear elastic foundation. The elastic compliances of the flanges, the bolts, and the gasket due to bending, twisting and axial compression are involved in the elastic interaction. The developed model can be used to optimize the initial bolt load tightening to obtain a uniform final preload under minimum number of tightening passes. The approach is validated using finite element analysis and experimental tests conducted on a NPS 4 class 900 weld neck bolted flange joint.

Numerical and Experimental Study of Elastic Interaction in Bolted Flange Joints

2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linbo Zhu ◽  
Abdel-Hakim Bouzid ◽  
Jun Hong
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Elastic Interaction ◽  
Element Model ◽  
Interaction Coefficient ◽  
Pressure Vessels ◽  
Nonlinear Finite Element ◽  
Element Analysis ◽  
Bolted Flange

Bolted flange joints are widely used to connect pressure vessels and piping equipment together and facilitate their disassembly. Initial tightening of their bolts is a delicate operation because it is extremely difficult to achieve the target load and uniformity due to elastic interaction. The risk of failure due to leakage and fatigue under service loading is consequently increased. This paper presents a study on the effect of elastic interaction that is present during the tightening of bolted flange joints using three-dimensional nonlinear finite-element modeling and experimentation. The nonlinear nonelastic behavior of the gasket is taken into account in the numerical simulation. The scatter in bolt preload produced during the tightening sequence is evaluated. Based on the elastic interaction coefficient method, the initial target tightening load in each bolt for every pass is determined by using the nonlinear finite-element model to obtain a uniform preload after the final tightening pass. The validity of the finite-element analysis (FEA) is supported by experimental tests conducted on a NPS 4 class 900 weld neck bolted flange joints using fiber and flexible graphite gaskets. This study provides guidance and enhances the safety and reliability of bolted flange joints by minimizing bolt load scatter due to elastic interaction.

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