Project Details

[Return to Previous Page]

Determination of Bolted Joint Characteristics

Company: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (aka Wabtec)

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: MATSE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Overview: - Bolted joint behavior is heavily influenced by a variety of factors including the load vs torque relationship of fasteners and the phenomenon of embedment – relaxation of the joint materials after initial joint tightening which reduces loading within the joint. - It is proposed to develop test methods using hardware to study the effects of various bolted joint components on the embedment of a variety of common materials used in our products, and also to study the behavior of various locking nuts and their torque characteristics. - This study will involve developing a working knowledge of bolted joint behavior, related joint calculations, and developing instrumented bolted joint assemblies from which to empirically derive joint characteristics. Problem Statement: - Determine through test methods the joint embedment of bolted joints with the following components in the grip: -- Painted sheet metal -- Zinc plated sheet metal -- Painted and plated aluminum sheet -- Tin plated copper - Determine the embedment of flat and lock washers, and dependency on applied preload - Determine average and standard deviation for joint nut factor for zinc plated hardware using prevailing torque nuts