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

The three-dimensional finite element analysis of bolted joints with finite sliding deformable 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 Yamamoto’s method reaches a lower value of load ratio than the finite element analysis at the first thread. The load distribution on each thread 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 12% with respect to three-dimensional analysis.