Finite element simulation of the tightening process of bolted joint with a bolt heater

The tightening operation with a bolt heater has advantages surpassing those of other tightening methods. Currently, a bolt heater is mainly applied to tighten huge bolts that cannot be clamped by other means, and the tightening operation is usually supported by the expertise of skilled workers. In this paper a numerical approach is presented to aim at a broader use of bolt heater technique by elucidating the tightening mechanism. The effects of thermal contact resistance existing around a bolted joint are taken into account for a better accuracy in the numerical analyses. Based on the numerical results obtained, a series guideline to help the tightening operation when performed by less skilled workers is proposed.