Suranaree J. Sci. Technol. 14(4):331-345Fatigue and Fracture Research Group, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering,University of Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: aidy@eng.upm.edu.my* Corresponding authorSIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL WORK OF SINGLE LAPBOLTED JOINT TESTED IN BENDINGAidy Ali*, Ting Wei Yao, Nuraini Abdul Aziz, Muhammad Yunin Hassan andBarkawi SahariReceived: Jun 13, 2007; Revised: Nov 29, 2007; Accepted: Nov 30, 2007AbstractThis paper presents the simulation and experiment work on the prediction of stress analysis in asingle lap bolted joint under bending loads. A three-dimensional finite element model of a boltedjoint has been developed using MSC Patran and MSC Nastran FEM commercial package. In thesimulation, different methods in modelling the contact between the joint, which affects theefficiency of the models were detailed. Experimental work was then conducted to measure strainsand deformations of the specimens for validation of the developed numerical model. A four-pointbending load type of testing was used in both the simulation and experiment works. The resultsfrom both simulation and experiment were then compared and show good agreement. Severalfactors that potentially influenced the variation of the results were noted. Finally, critical areaswere identified and confirmed with the stress distribution results from simulation.Keywords: Bolted joints, FEM, MSC Nastran, MSC PatranIntroductionA bolted joint is one of the joining techniquesemployed to hold two or more parts together toform an assembly in mechanical structures. Oneof the advantages of a bolted joint over otherjoint types, such as welded and riveted joints, isthat they are capable of being dismantled.A bol...
