Experimental and Numerical Investigations of an Asymmetric Multi-Bolted Connection Preloaded and Subjected to Monotonic Loads

Experimental tests of a seven-bolted connection with an asymmetric contact area between the joined elements are presented. The research is divided into two stages. In the first one, the connection is preloaded in a three-pass cycle. In the second stage, the connection is loaded with a monotonic alternating force applied at an angle of 30 degrees to the contact surface of the joined elements to generate compressive and shear forces in the connection. The tests are carried out with the use of the INSTRON 8850 testing machine. As a result, the courses of forces in the bolts measured with the use of resistance strain gauges and the relative displacements between the joined elements measured with an extensometer are shown. In the second part, the modeling of the connection in the convention of the finite element method is presented. The joined elements are modeled with the use of spatial finite elements, and the fasteners, as the hybrid elements made of deformable beams, rigid heads, and rigid nuts. The paper is completed with a comparison of the results obtained from the measurements and calculations, based on which the conclusions important from the point of view of the FEM analysis are drawn.