LAUSR

Abstract Threaded fasteners are widely used in a variety of engineering applications. The quality of threaded connections directly affects the service performance. By aiming to acquiring a deeper understanding of the performance characteristics, the mechanical behavior of bolted joint was examined using transverse tensile test. The force-displacement curves of bolted joints exhibit linear characteristics during the first stage, while subsequently the curves exhibit various shapes due to assembly clearance. The tangential stiffness of the bolted joint decreases rapidly when the connected plate slips. And the transverse load threshold between various stages is positively correlated with the clamping force of threaded fastener. The experimental data was fitted to obtain a piecewise function that characterizes the entire slip curve of bolted joints under transverse loading. Main characterization parameters in various stages were analyzed and discussed based on the experimental results, which can aid in the design and using of bolted joints.