Investigation into the loosening mechanism of bolt

in curvic coupling subjected to transverse loading-

Jiang et al 2013


Question: How do curvic couplings self loosen
given their geometry?
Approach: Finite element anaylisis verified
Experimentally.
Finite element model
Experimental setup
Procedure:
a) Bottom plate is fastened
b) Preloaded coupling connected on
bottom plate
c) Twisting plate connected
d) Wire rope connected to twisting plate
e) Torque applied by symmetric loading.

Dimensions of joint:
Disc thickness = 22.9 mm
Disc diameter = 74.3 mm
Bolt Length = 51 mm
Bolt bar diameter = 5.78 mm
Bolt head diameter = 8.88 mm
Threaded part length in bolt = 15 mm
Conclusions
The complete slip on thread contact surface and
curvic surface always occurs prior to the
complete slip on head contact surface.
Loosening happens due to cyclic transverse load
from only localized slip without complete slip at
the bolt head
Research needs to be done on loosening due to
plasticity (structural ratcheting)
Self-rotation of the nut still takes place during
cyclic torque loadings even though contact status
of bolt head surface or thread surface is slip-stick.