Development of a simplified model for the analysis of bolted assemblies under extreme loadings

Bolted joints are very common in mechanical engineering, particularly in aeronautics(for example, 3,000,000 joints on an A380). Their optimization requires elaborate designstrategies that take into account the various phenomena involved in assemblies, such ascontact, friction and plasticity. These optimizations cannot be carried out efficiently using3D models, due to the prohibitive computational costs involved. Although various sim-plified finite element models are generally available in commercial finite element software,they often have limitations (linear elastic behaviour) or require substantial resources toimplement [1, 2].This work proposes an extension of the model developed in [3] in order to representthe whole behaviour, in particular, the macro-slip under the head (or under the nut)as well as the contact between the screw body and the bore. This approach aims toreduce computational costs, while maintaining an adequate level of representation of themacroscopic quantities of interest (sliding, Von Mises stresses). On the basis of designparameters (bolt preload, friction coefficient, bolt dimensions), the current connectoris implemented as a user element in Abaqus/Standard. Comparative analyses will bepresented, contrasting fine-scale 3D calculations with simulations employing connectorsin bolted assemblies.