Free body diagram of a preloaded system with a gasket

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the analysis of a free body diagram for a preloaded system involving a bolt and gasket under pressure. The user seeks clarification on the tension forces acting on the bolt and gasket, specifically questioning why both forces are depicted in the same direction despite their opposing nature. The scenario involves two plates, a bolt, and a gasket with specified areas (3A for the gasket and A for the bolt) and identical elastic moduli. The user references an old exam answer but struggles to understand the diagram's representation of forces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of free body diagrams in mechanical systems
  • Knowledge of tension forces and preload concepts
  • Familiarity with elastic modulus and its implications in material behavior
  • Basic principles of static equilibrium in engineering mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of free body diagrams in mechanical engineering
  • Learn about tension and compression in preloaded systems
  • Explore the concept of elastic modulus and its role in material stress analysis
  • Review static equilibrium conditions and their applications in engineering problems
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Mechanical engineering students, educators, and professionals involved in structural analysis and design, particularly those focusing on tension and preload in bolted joints and gasketed systems.

MechanicalEngineer
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Hello,Ive got a question and wondering if there is someone that could help me? I would really appreciate it!

I am studying for an exam that I am going to have in a couple of weeks and it has been going great besides that I have been stuck on a question about tension in a preloaded system with a bolt and gasket.

So, to the problem.

Let’s assume that there are two plats that don’t bend and between these two plats there is a bolt that have been going through a gasket so that the system in under pressure from a preloaded force. Now, the bolt is tightening even more so that pressure rises. The area of the gasket is 3A and the area in the bolt is A and the E-module is the same.

How should the free body diagram? I have the correct answer from an old exam but can’t understand why the free body diagram, shouldn’t the tension force from the bolt be to the opposite side of the tension force from the gasket? They have drawing the tension force of the preloaded bolt and gasket in the same direction.

There are two images that are linked, one is for the question and one is the answer from the exam.

<< Very strange links deleted by the Mentors >>

I really appreciate it!

(Sorry for the bad English)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Your links are way off
 
BvU said:
Your links are way off
Thanks @BvU -- links have been deleted now.
MechanicalEngineer said:
<< Very strange links deleted by the Mentors >>
 

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