A study of the helical effect on the thread connection by three dimensional finite element analysis

The three-dimensional finite element analysis of bolted joints with finite sliding delormable contact has been studied, and the helical and friction effect on the load distribution of each thread is analyzed. It shows the analytical analysis by Yamamotoʹs method reaches a lower value of load ratio than the finite element analysis at the first thread. The load distribution on each lhread between axisymmetrical model and three-dimensional model are provided. Hence, although increasing the coefficient of friction and decreasing the lead angle may improve the load distribution slightly, for 1-inch 16UNF bolt joints, the error of load ratio at the first thread in axisymmetrical finite element model is 12ʹ/o with respect to three-dimensional analysis. © 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.