Forces of a bolt that bottoms out in a blind hole

In summary, when a bolt is clamping two components together, the forces at work are the bolt's threads pulling against the threads of the structure. When a bolt is screwed into a blind hole and bottoms out, the forces are the same, but the bottom of the bolt pushes against the bottom of the hole instead of the top of the structure. This applies a torque on the structure and the reaction force is still from the threads of the bolt pulling or pushing on the threads of the structure.
  • #1
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I understand there are a variety of forces that are at work when a bolt is clamping two components together. However, what I don't understand is what forces are at work when a bolt is screwed into a blind hole and it bottoms out. Assuming a torque is applied, how would this torque act on the threads and structure of the part the bolt is being screwed into. Assuming the bolt does not bottom out, typically the threads will strip. But if the bolt bottoms out, then what?
 
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  • #2
If the bolt does not bottom out, the underneath of the bolt head will hit the top of the structure and will start pushing on it as you apply a torque. The reaction force is from the threads of the bolt that are pulling the threads of the structure.

If it bottoms out, then it is the bottom of the bolt that hit the bottom of the hole in the structure and will start pushing on it as you apply a torque. The reaction force is the same, i.e. the threads of the bolt that are pushing the threads of the structure.
 
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1. What are the forces acting on a bolt that bottoms out in a blind hole?

The forces acting on a bolt that bottoms out in a blind hole are primarily tension and compression. When the bolt is tightened, tension forces are generated along the length of the bolt, while compression forces are generated between the head of the bolt and the bottom of the hole.

2. How does the length of the bolt affect the forces in a blind hole?

The length of the bolt can greatly affect the forces in a blind hole. If the bolt is too short, it may not generate enough tension to properly secure the joint. On the other hand, if the bolt is too long, it may bottom out in the hole and create excessive compression forces, potentially causing damage to the surrounding material.

3. What is the significance of the thread engagement in a blind hole?

The thread engagement, or the number of threads that are in contact with the material, is crucial in determining the strength of the bolted joint. In a blind hole, the thread engagement is limited, so it is important to choose a bolt with enough threads to provide sufficient strength.

4. How can I prevent the bolt from bottoming out in a blind hole?

To prevent a bolt from bottoming out in a blind hole, you can either use a longer bolt or add a spacer between the head of the bolt and the bottom of the hole. It is important to ensure that the bolt is not over-tightened, as this can also cause it to bottom out.

5. What are the consequences of a bolt bottoming out in a blind hole?

If a bolt bottoms out in a blind hole, it can create excessive compression forces, which can lead to material deformation, cracking, or failure. This can weaken the joint and potentially cause it to fail under load. It is important to properly design and install bolts in blind holes to prevent this from happening.

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