Program Calculates Forces in Bolted Structural Joints

A FORTRAN 77 computer program calculates forces in bolts in the joints of structures. This program is used in conjunction with the NASTRAN finite-element structural-analysis program.

A mathematical model of a structure is first created by approximating its load-bearing members with representative finite elements, then NASTRAN calculates the forces and moments that each finite element contributes to grid points located throughout the structure. The user selects the finite elements that correspond to structural members that contribute loads to the joints of interest, and identifies the grid point nearest to each such joint. This program reads the pertinent NASTRAN output, combines the forces and moments from the contributing elements to determine the resultant force and moment acting at each proximate grid point, then transforms the forces and moments from these grid points to the centroids of the affected joints. Then the program uses these joint loads to obtain the axial and shear forces in the individual bolts. The program identifies which bolts bear the greatest axial and/or shear loads. The program also performs a “fail-safe” analysis in which the foregoing calculations are repeated for a sequence of cases in which each fastener, in turn, is assumed not to transmit an axial force.