Prying action in bolted circular flange joints: Approach based on component method: Fid-Bau Portal

Prying action in bolted circular flange joints: Approach based on component method

Ślęczka, Lucjan / Leń, Dariusz

Highlights • A novel analytical formula for calculating the prying effect factor is proposed. • The approach presented is based on the component method. • The application of the classical L-stub model is extended. • Satisfactory accuracy is verified against 83 FE models.

Abstract Bolted circular flange joints are common solutions in many engineering structures where tubular sections are utilised. The prying action influences their behaviour significantly and is considered in their design criteria, although generally in a concealed form. This is notwithstanding certain design situations, wherein the prying effect factor should be known explicitly. This study develops a novel analytical formula for calculating the prying effect factor in circular flange joints under tension. The approach presented is based on the component method. The application of the classical L-stub model is extended by incorporating components that consider the impact of the circular shape of the joint and enable an accurate representation of all its parts, i.e. flange, bolts, and tubular member. Study is based on a linear elastic analysis. The parameters of the analytical model developed are the geometrical dimensions of a joint. The compact form of the formula obtained enables its convenient use via hand-calculations. The results predicted by the proposed analytical approach are verified using 3D finite element analyses. A comparison of the results from the analytical approach with those from 83 FE models with different geometries and dimensions reveals a highly reasonable accuracy. Furthermore, the presented approach is confronted with existing methods in terms of the effort required and accuracy obtained.