A Mathematical Model for Vibration-Induced Loosening of Preloaded Threaded Fasteners

A mathematical model is proposed for studying the vibration induced loosening of threaded fasteners that are subjected to harmonic transverse excitation, which often causes slippage between the contact surfaces between engaged threads and under the bolt head. Integral equations are derived for the cyclic shear forces as well as the bearing and thread friction torque components. They depend on the ratio of the relative rotational to translational velocities. The relationship between the dynamic thread shear force and bending moment is developed. When the external transverse excitation is large enough, it causes the threaded fasteners to loosen. Numerical results show that the dynamic transverse shear forces on the underhead contact surface, and between the engaged threads, decrease the bearing, and thread friction torque components. The effect of bolt preload, bearing and thread friction coefficients, the amplitude of the harmonic transverse excitation, and the bolt underhead bending on the bolt loosening are investigated. Experimental verification of the analytical model results of the bolt twisting torque is provided.