3 Replies Latest reply on Jun 18, 2015 2:16 PM by James Riddell

How can I perform Simulation (Static Stress Analysis) of a Bolted Assembly?

Chirayu Jain Jun 18, 2015 4:10 AM

I am designing a bolted structural steel framework using C-sections (Channels) and Angles for radition shielding enclosures (weldments cannot be used). I want to analyze how the vertical pillars (see attachments) respond to loading but I'm not sure about the 'fixtures'.

Do all the bolt holes need to be fixed? (Image1)

What should be the fixtures? (Entire framework is grounded using Anchor Bolts)
Do I actually need to use bolts in the assembly for the sake of simulation?

A force of 10kN acts uniformly over the roof angles and channels.

1.jpg 281.8 KB
Assembly.jpg 294.8 KB

Re: How can I perform Simulation (Static Stress Analysis) of a Bolted Assembly?

James Riddell Jun 18, 2015 7:12 AM (in response to Chirayu Jain)

You can use the 'Bolted Connections' but be aware of the warning and its ramifications. This method (IMHO) is easier than either modeling the actual bolt & applying a pre-load or using split surfaces as Contact Surfaces especially on a structure the size you have shown. Make sure you don't have global bonding between parts you are bolting together or your results will be all messed up.
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- Re: How can I perform Simulation (Static Stress Analysis) of a Bolted Assembly?
  
  Chirayu Jain Jun 18, 2015 2:08 PM (in response to James Riddell)
  
  Thank you James!
  
  I'll try to perform the study using 'Bolted Connections'.
  Also, can you please explain 'global bonding between parts'?
  
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  - Re: How can I perform Simulation (Static Stress Analysis) of a Bolted Assembly?
    
    James Riddell Jun 18, 2015 2:16 PM (in response to Chirayu Jain)
    
    Global bonding basically means that if two surfaces are in contact then all forces, etc. will be transferred between them. Imagine a wheel on the road; if you are rolling along and hit a bump the wheel will come up off the road. If you were doing FEA and the wheel was 'globally bonded' to the road then when it went up it would "pull" up on the road - not very likely. Same thing goes for bolted joints, if you have an angle bracket bolted on the clamping/contact is fairly realistically imagined as a surface projected as a cone from under the head of the bolt and only the 'donut' shaped surfaces would transfer forces.
    
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