Nonlinear Deformation Behavior of Bolted Flanges Under Tensile, Torsional and Bending Loads

This paper investigates the nonlinear deformation behavior of bolted flanges under tensile, torsional and bending loads, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Even though the bolted flange may still deform elastically, the variation in contact area due to the external loading will cause nonlinear deformation. In this study, finite element simulation is used for investigating the respective non-linear deformation behavior of a preloaded bolted flange under tensile, torsional and bending loads, and to determine the corresponding stiffness values for each loading.