This course uses case histories and theoretical discussions to illustrate the basic behavior of an important element of many products, systems and structures: the bolted joint. Fundamental concepts as well as recent developments in analysis, assembly, and failure prevention are discussed. Learn To: Avoid failures such as fatigue. leaks, preload relaxation, and loosening Select appropriate preload for various joint configurations Specify assembly tools and procedures Analyze bolted joints using code methods such as: ASME, AISC, VDI Find out about computer programs for the analysis of bolted joints Size fasteners and understand stress concentrations Course Materials Receive the text: An Introduction to the Design and Behavior of Bolted Joints, by John H. Bickford. Each participant will receive a 3-ring notebook of the seminar material Who Should Attend Engineers, production and maintenance superintendents, especially those dealing with pressure vessels, piping, heavy equipment, automated assembly and construction. Designers and others who use and maintain bolted joints will find the course helpful.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

• Introduction to the bolted joint and its failure modes
• Stress distributions in a fastener and joint members
• Assembly procedures including torque, turn of nut, stretch and tension control Discussion includes theory, accuracy, and appropriate application of each method, tooling, and case histories
• Automated assembly including real-time torque-angle-load; case histories of elastic and yield control
• Elastic behavior of bolted joints during assembly joint
• Gasketed joints including gasket selection, installation and performance
• Joint design considerations stresses, bolting, gaskets
• Vibration loosening - causes and cures
• ASME Section III and VIII - design and assembly requirements
• Joint interaction - relationship among preload, pressure, temperature and external loads
• Computer programs for analyzing raised face gasketed joints: Flange, K-FLANGE
• Leaks - causes and cures
• Assembly procedures - number of tools, sequences and passes, one pass procedures
• Structural bolting - design and assembly
• Mechanical joint analysis including: Joint Diagrams, VDI 2230, NASA Bolt Program
• Fatigue mechanisms and methods to increase fatigue life