Required Bolt Torque to Induce Given Stress

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    Bolt Stress Torque
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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the required torque to induce a specific tensile stress in a bolt, specifically aiming for 75% of the bolt's yield strength. It highlights that controlling torque alone is insufficient due to the significant influence of friction on the applied torque. For critical applications, it is recommended to use load indicating washers, measure bolt elongation, or employ angle tightening techniques to achieve accurate tension. For less critical applications, online resources can provide approximate torque values based on material, thread pitch, and lubrication.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bolt yield strength and tensile stress
  • Knowledge of friction dynamics in threaded fasteners
  • Familiarity with load indicating washers and their applications
  • Experience with angle tightening techniques for bolts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the use of load indicating washers in critical fastening applications
  • Learn about measuring bolt elongation for accurate tensioning
  • Explore angle tightening techniques and their effectiveness
  • Investigate online torque calculators for various bolt materials and configurations
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, automotive technicians, and anyone involved in precision fastening applications, particularly in high-stress environments.

BertSmurf
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Hi, I have a problem calculating the required torque that needs to be applied to a bolt.
I need to torque the bolt to a maximum of 75% of the yield strength of the bolt (which I have worked out)
However I am having trouble figuring out what torque will actually apply this stress to the bolt...
What is the relationship between applied torque and induced tensile stress on the bolt?
 
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What's your application? Tell us more and you'll get a better answer.

But in general you can't do what you're trying to do (a known fraction of yield strength) just by controlling the torque - nearly all the applied torque goes to overcoming friction, so even a small uncertainty in the friction between male and female threads and under the head of the bolt means a large uncertainty in the tension of the bolt. Instead, for really critical applications you have to use load indicating washers, measure the actual elongation of the bolt, go with angle tightening techniques, and other methods that more directly measure the strain in the bolt.

If your application is bit less critical than, for example, connecting rod bolts in a Formula One racing motor there are a number of online resources that will give a close-enough answer for various combinations of materials, thread pitch, bolt diameter, thread lubrication.
 
That's a pretty good answer, Nugatory.

:biggrin:
 

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