Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around calculating the tension and compression forces in bolts when they are positioned asymmetrically on a plane, particularly in the context of a bolted connection subjected to bending moments. Participants explore various methods and formulas for determining these forces, referencing both theoretical approaches and practical tools like Excel spreadsheets.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
- Mathematical reasoning
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses uncertainty about how to derive the tension/compression forces for bolts in non-symmetric positions, despite being familiar with shear force calculations.
- Another participant suggests that tension or compression in bolts should be similar to symmetric cases, but acknowledges the presence of small torsional shear stresses.
- A later reply mentions that results from an Excel spreadsheet show varying tension values when bolts are moved in the z-direction, questioning the consistency of the basic formulas used.
- One participant refers to a previous post that discusses dividing forces by the total bolt area for stress calculations, emphasizing the importance of using the thread minor diameter for tensile stress area calculations.
- Another participant calculates the tension or compression loads for outer bolts under a specific moment, providing a numerical example.
- One participant notes discrepancies between their calculations and those from an Excel spreadsheet, indicating that the tension value changes when bolts are not symmetrical, leading to confusion about which method to trust.
- A participant shares their assumption of a rigid base plate and questions the validity of the Excel calculations, suggesting that they may be based on principal axes rather than centroidal neutral axes.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on how to calculate tension and compression forces in non-symmetric bolt arrangements. There is no consensus on the correct approach, as some participants rely on theoretical formulas while others reference practical tools that yield different results.
Contextual Notes
Some limitations are noted, including the dependence on the assumptions made about bolt positioning and the potential differences in calculations based on principal versus centroidal axes. The discussion highlights unresolved mathematical steps and varying interpretations of the formulas used.