Finite Element Modeling for Static and Dynamic Analysis of Structures with Bolted Joints

Many studies on the finite element modeling for bolted joints have proceeded, but the structures with bolted joints are complicated in shape and it is difficult to find out the characteristics according to joint condition. Usually, experimental methods have been used for bolted joint analysis. A reliable and practical finite element modeling technique for structure with bolted joints is very important for engineers in industry. In this study, three kinds of model are presented; a detailed model, a practical model and a simple model. The detailed model is modeled by using 3-D solid element and gap element, and the practical model is modeled by using shell element (a portion of bolt head) and beam element (a portion of bolt body), the simple model is modeled by simplifying practical model without using gap elements. Among these models, the simple model has the least degree of freedom and show the effect of memory reduction of 59%, when compared with the detailed model.