12.12.4.

1 Overview of Bolt pre-load

A bolt pre-load:

Is the initial torque applied to a bolt or fastener when it is first tightened.

Can be applied along with a service load so you can analyze contact conditions that may occur within the bolt or calculate the stresses resulting from
the combination of those loads.

Use the Bolt Pre-Load boundary condition command to apply a pre-load to bolts or fasteners that you model using finite elements.

General bolt pre-load analysis process

In a pre-loaded bolt analysis, you typically:

1. Use the Bolt Connection command to both model the shank of the bolt as a 1D element and connect that element into the mesh on the surrounding
part. See Modeling bolted connections for more information.

Note If you are working with Abaqus as your solver, you can define a pre-load on a bolt modeled with solid (continuum) elements. See Bolt pre-loads
with Abaqus for more information.

2. Use the Bolt Pre-Load command to define the pre-load itself.

3. Use the appropriate load command to define any service loads to apply to the bolt.

4. Solve the model.

The graphic below shows an example of a bolt pre-load defined on an NX Nastran model, where the bolt's shank is modeled with a CBEAM element and the
bolt is connected to the mesh on the surrounding part using RBE3 elements.

[Date] 1
Solver specific considerations
Because each solver uses a slightly different paradigm to analyze bolt pre-loads, both the process and user interface for defining a Bolt Pre-Load varies
depending upon your current solver language. For more information on the bolt pre-load specifics for each solver, see Bolt pre-loads with Abaqus, Bolt
pre-loads with ANSYS, and Bolt pre-loads with NX Nastran.

Where do I find it?

With a Simulation file active:

On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, click Bolt Pre-Load from the Loads palette.

In the Simulation Navigator, right-click Load Container and choose New Load Bolt Pre-Load.

In the Simulation Navigator under the Solution node, right-click Loads and choose New Load Bolt Pre-Load.

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12.12.4.2 Bolt pre-loads with NX Nastran
If you are working with the NX Nastran solver, you can use the Bolt Pre-Load command to apply a pre-load to a bolt modeled with the certain types of 1D and
3D elements. In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box:

You can use the Force on 1D elements option to define a pre-load on a bolt that is modeled with CBAR or CBEAM type beam elements. For more
information, see Pre-loaded bolts modeled with beam elements (Nastran).

You can use the Force on 3D elements option to define a pre-load on a bolt that is modeled with CHEXA, CPENTA, or CTETRA elements. For more
information, see Pre-loaded bolts modeled with solid elements (Nastran).

Key NX Nastran bolt pre-load concepts

NX Nastran uses:

The BOLT bulk data entry to define the beam elements to include in the bolt pre-load analysis.

The BOLTFOR bulk data entry to define the actual bolt pre-load value.

In Advanced Simulation, when you define a bolt pre-load in the NX Nastran environment, you can use the options on the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to both
select the beam elements on which to define the load and specify the value of the load itself. When you solve your model, the software creates the
appropriate BOLT and BOLTFOR bulk data entries in your NX Nastran input file.

Supported solution sequences

In Advanced Simulation, you can define bolt pre-loads in NX Nastran SOL 101, SOL 103 Response Simulation, and SOL 601 (106 and 129) analyses.

[Date] 3
12.12.4.2.1 Pre-loaded bolts modeled with beam elements (Nastran)
In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, you can use the Force on 1D elements option to define a pre-load on a bolt that is modeled with CBAR or CBEAM type beam
elements.

Understanding bolt pre-load analysis process for 1D elements

With the Force on 1D elements option, when you solve your model, NX Nastran first reduces the stiffness of the beam elements that represent the bolts by
the value of the parameter BOLTFACT to make their stiffness insignificant.

Note In Advanced Simulation, you can modify the value of the BOLTFACT parameter through the Solution Parameters modeling object. From the Modeling
Object Manager dialog box, select Solution Parameters from the Type list. In the Solution Parameters dialog box, expand the A-B group and then
scroll down to the BOLTFACT parameter.

The software applies the Force that you specified in the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to the ends of the bolts in the axial direction. The software then performs
a linear statics analysis to obtain the relative displacements (U2 and U1) for each pair of nodes. The software then calculates the bolt strains as:

-(U2U1)/L P/AE

Where:

U2 and U1 are the deflections at the ends of the bolt.

L is the original length of the bolt.

P is the defined bolt pre-load.

A is the area of the bolt.

E is the Modulus of Elasticity.

Selecting the elements that define the bolt

[Date] 4
As a best practice, when you select the 1D elements to which to apply the bolt pre-load, you should select all the beam elements that define the shank of
the bolt. In SOL 101, the software applies the pre-load to the first element you select and ignores any additional elements you select. However, SOL 601,106
and SOL 601,129 require that you select all elements along the shank of the bolt to define the pre-load. Always selecting all the beam elements that define
the shank of the bolt allows you to create a single bolt pre-load and then use it between the different solution sequences.

12.12.4.2.2 Pre-loaded bolts modeled with solid elements (Nastran)

In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, you can use the Force on 3D elements option to define a pre-load on a bolt that is modeled with CHEDA, CPENTA, or
CTETRA type of solid elements.

Selecting the nodes that define the cross section on the bolt
With the Force on 3D Elements option, you must select a series of nodes that define a cut through the bolt at any location (1) on the interior of the bolt.
You then specify a coordinate system and axis that NX Nastran uses to define the axis of the bolt (2).

Note If you select one or more polygon faces to define the cut through the bolt, the software uses all of the nodes associated with those faces to define the
cut.

[Date] 5
 You cannot use the Pressure command to apply a pressure to the face of an element if the connectivity of the element includes any of the nodes you
select to define the Force on 3D Elements option.

The nodes that you select to define the Force on 3D Elements cannot be used to define the connectivity of solid composite elements.

Understanding the bolt pre-load calculation process for solid elements

NX Nastran first splits the mesh on the bolt by:

o Duplicating each node you selected to define theForce on 3D Elements option. The labels (IDs) for the duplicated nodes start at the highest
user-defined node label in the model plus one and continue sequentially higher.

o Modifying the element connectivity on one side of the cross section to use the new duplicate nodes.

Note NX Nastran writes the new nodes and updated element connectivity are written to the .op2 file. Additionally, these are visible when you post-
process the results.

[Date] 6
NX Nastran adds a weak spring between each pair of nodes with stiffness in the bolts axial direction. The spring stiffness is calculated as
EA/(L*BOLTFACT*N), where E is the modulus of the bolt material, A is the projected area of the bolt cut, L is an approximate bolt length, BOLTFACT is
a parameter, and N is the number of nodes you selected to define theForce on 3D Elements option.

Note In Advanced Simulation, you can modify the value of the BOLTFACT parameter through the Solution Parameters modeling object. From the
Modeling Object Manager dialog box, select Solution Parameters from the Type list. In the Solution Parameters dialog box, expand the A-B
group and then scroll down to the BOLTFACT parameter.

NX Nastran determines the projected area of the solid elements using the nodes, coordinate system, and axis you selected in the Bolt Pre-Load dialog
box. NX Nastran uses this area to apply the equivalent bolt pre-load as two equal and opposite face tractions in the bolt axial direction.

NX Nastran runs an initial solution with only these face tractions applied to obtain the deflection at the bolts cross section due to the bolt pre-load. NX
Nastran uses these deflections to calculate the initial strain in the bolt.

NX Nastran then runs a second solution with:

o The initial strain applied.

o The springs removed.

o The service loads applied (if you have included any service loads in the analysis).

[Date] 7
12.12.4.2.3 Define a bolt pre-load on 1D elements (NX Nastran)

1. With the FEM file active and NX Nastran as the specified solver environment, use the Bolt Connection command to model the bolted connection.

With a Nastran model, Bolt Connection defines the shank of the bolt as a 1D element, such as a CBAR or CBEAM element. Bolt Connection uses RBE3
elements to connect the 1D element to the mesh on the surrounding part. For more information, see Modeling bolted connections and RBE3 in the NX
Nastran Quick Reference Guide.

2. Switch to the Simulation file and make the appropriate solution active.

3. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, select Bolt Pre-Load from the Load Type list.

4. In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, select the Force on 1D elements option from the Type list.

5. In the Model Objects group, click Select Object and select the elements or curves to which to apply the pre-load.

6. In the Magnitude group, define the force in one of these ways:

o Select Expression to use a constant value or NX expression to define the magnitude.

For more information, see the Expressions overview

o Select Field to define force magnitude that varies with frequency, time, or temperature.

For more information, see Using fields to define boundary conditions

7. Click OK.

The load is applied to the model.

[Date] 8
12.12.4.2.4 Define a bolt pre-load on 3D elements (NX Nastran)

1. With the FEM file active and NX Nastran as the specified solver environment, mesh the model. Use CHEXA, CPENTA, or CTETRA type elements to model
the bolts.

2. Switch to the Simulation file and make the appropriate solution active.

3. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, select Bolt Pre-Load from the Load Type list.

4. In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, select the Force on 3D elements option from the Type list.

5. In the Model Objects group, click Select Object and select the elements or geometry on which to apply the pre-load.

6. In the Direction group, specify the coordinate system and the direction of the bolts axis relative to that coordinate system.

7. In the Magnitude group, define the force in one of these ways:

o Select Expression to use a constant value or NX expression to define the magnitude.

For more information, see the Expressions overview

o Select Field to define force magnitude that varies with frequency, time, or temperature.

For more information, see Using fields to define boundary conditions

8. Click OK.

The load is applied to the model.

12.12.4.3 Bolt pre-loads with Abaqus

If you are working with the Abaqus solver, you can use the Bolt Pre-Load command to apply a load to a bolt (or fastener) modeled with:

[Date] 9
 B31 type beam elements

Solid (continuum) elements

Note Note: You can only use the Bolt Pre-Load command in non-axisymmetric type analyses.

Loading options depend on element type

The type of pre-load you can apply to the bolt depends upon the element type with which the bolt is modeled.

If you model the bolt with a beam element, you can apply either a pre-tension load or a tightening (length) adjustment.

If you model the bolt with solid elements, you can apply a pre-tension load.

Pre-loads applied across pre-tension sections

With Abaqus, you apply bolt pre-loads to your model across defined pre-tension sections. In Abaqus, a pre-tension section (specified with the *PRE-TENSION
SECTION keyword in an Abaqus input file) defines the portion of the model across which the software applies the pre-load. The process for defining a bolt
pre-load varies depending upon the type of element you use to model the bolt.

For a bolt modeled with a beam element, the pre-tension section is comprised of the element that defines the shank of the bolt and a pre-tension node.
For more information, see Pre-loaded bolts modeled with beam elements (Abaqus).

For a bolt modeled with solid elements, the pre-tension section is comprised of an element-based surface inside the bolt that divides the bolt into two
parts and a pre-tension node. For more information, see Pre-loaded bolts modeled with solid elements (Abaqus)

For more information on pre-tension sections, see the Prescribed assembly loads topic in the Abaqus Analysis User's Manual or the *PRE-TENSION SECTION
topic in the Abaqus Keywords Reference Manual.

Constraining a pre-loaded bolt in subsequent analysis steps

After you use the Bolt Pre-Load command to apply an initial load to a bolt or fastener, you can use the Bolt Pre-Load Constraint command to fix the length
of the bolt in subsequent analysis steps. The Bolt Pre-Load Constraint command constrains the length of the bolt to its current pre-loaded (deformed)
length. For more information, see Constraining bolts to their pre-loaded lengths (Abaqus).

[Date] 10
12.12.4.3.1 Constraining bolts to their pre-loaded lengths (Abaqus)
After you use the Bolt Pre-Load command to apply an initial load to a bolt or fastener, you can use the Bolt Pre-Load Constraint command to fix the length
of the bolt in subsequent analysis steps. The Bolt Pre-Load Constraint command constrains the length of the bolt to its current pre-loaded (deformed)
length.

Note You must include a Bolt Pre-Load Constraint in all steps in which you want to maintain the length of the bolt at the pre-loaded length.

Selected entities must be consistent

When you create a Bolt Pre-Load Constraint, you must ensure that the entities to which you apply the constraint are the same entities to which you applied
the pre-load. This ensures that when you solve the model, the same pre-tension node is associated with both the bolt pre-load and the bolt pre-load
constraint.

For the Pre-load constraint on 1D elements type, the geometry, elements, or group to which you apply the constraint should be the same as the
geometry, elements, or group to which you applied the Bolt Pre-Load. This ensures that the same pre-tension node is associated with both the pre-load
and the constraint.

For the Pre-load constraint on 3D elements type, the Region to which you apply the constraint should be the same as theRegion to which you applied
the Bolt Pre-Load. This ensures that the same pre-tension node is associated with both the pre-load and the constraint.

Example: Constraining a pre-loaded bolt

For example, consider a solution that consists of four steps:

In step 1, you use the Bolt Pre-Load command to apply a force to selected elements.

In step 2, you remove the Bolt Pre-Load from the step and use the Bolt Pre-Load Constraint command to fix the length of the bolt to the length
calculated in step 1.

In steps 3 and 4, you use the Bolt Pre-Load Constraint command to maintain the length of the bolt at the length calculated in step 1.

Where do I find it?

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 Application Advanced Simulation

Prerequisite An active Simulation file with Abaqus as the specified solver and Structural as the specified analysis type

Toolbar
Advanced Simulation Bolt Pre-Load Constraint

Simulation Navigator Under the active solution, right-click Constraints New Constraint Bolt Pre-Load Constraint

12.12.4.3.2 Define a bolt pre-load for a bolt modeled with beam elements (Abaqus)

1. With the FEM file active, use the Bolt Connection command to model the bolted connection. With an Abaqus model, Bolt Connection defines
the shank of the bolt as a 1D element, such as a B31 or B21 element. Bolt Connection uses Abaqus *KINEMATIC COUPLING constraints to connect the 1D
element to the mesh on the surrounding part. For more information, see Modeling bolted connections and *KINEMATIC COUPLING in the ABAQUS
Keywords Reference Manual.

2. Switch to the Simulation file and make the appropriate solution active.

3. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, select Bolt Pre-Load from the Load Type list.

4. In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, select the Type of bolt pre-load to create.

o Select Force on 1D elements to apply a concentrated load (force) to the bolt.

o Select Adjustment on 1D elements to apply a tightening adjustment to change the length of the bolt.

[Date] 12
5. In the Model Objects group, click Select Object and select the elements or curves on which to create the pre-load.

6. (Optional) In the Node group, click Pre-Tension Node to select a node that is not attached to any elements in your model to serve as the
pre-tension node. If you do not explicitly select a pre-tension node, the software assigns one for you automatically when you solve your model. For
more information, see Defining a pre-tension node.

7. In the Magnitude group, define the pre-load force or the tightening adjustment in one of these ways:

o Select Expression to use a constant value or NX expression to define the magnitude.

For more information, see the Expressions overview.

o Select Field to define magnitude that varies with frequency, time, or temperature.

For more information, see Using fields to define boundary conditions.

8. (Optional) Select the method to use to define the Section Normal for the bolt pre-load. The section normal controls the direction in which the
software applies the bolt pre-load.

o Select Along Element to apply the load from the first node to the last node in the beam element's connectivity.

o Select User Defined to use a vector command to specify a different vector to use as the normal.

For more information, see Vector dialog.

9. Click OK.

The load is applied to the model.

[Date] 13
12.12.4.3.3 Pre-loaded bolts modeled with solid elements (Abaqus)
In Advanced Simulation, if you are working with Abaqus as your solver, you can model a pre-loaded bolt using continuum type solid elements. In the Bolt
Pre-Load dialog box, use the Force on 3D Elements option on the Type menu to define a pre-load on solid elements.

With Abaqus, you apply a bolt pre-load across pre-tension sections that you define. The software applies the load to a pre-tension node that is associated
with the pre-tension section along a vector. The following graphic shows an example of a bolt modeled with solid elements. (A) shows the pre-tension
section, (B) shows the pre-tension node, and (C) shows the normal to the pre-tension section.

Figure. Bolt modeled with solid elements

Supported types of solid elements
In Advanced Simulation, you can use the following types of solid elements to model the bolt:

[Date] 14
 Abaqus Element Types Description Command Used to Generate Element in Advanced
Simulation
C3D4, C3D4H 4-node linear tetrahedral elements
3D Tetrahedral Mesh

C3D8, C3D8H, C3D8I, C3D8IH, C3D8R, 8-node linear brick elements

C3D8RH 3D Swept Mesh

C3D10, C3D10H, C3D10M, C3D10MH 10-node parabolic tetrahedral

elements 3D Tetrahedral Mesh

C3D20, C3D20H 20-node parabolic brick elements

3D Swept Mesh
Defining the pre-tension section
For a bolt modeled with solid elements, the pre-tension section is a surface inside the bolt that bisects the bolt. In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, with the
Force on 3D Elements option, you must explicitly define the pre-tension section by selecting a Region.

When you create a Region for a pre-load definition on Abaqus solid elements, you can either select surfaces from the geometry or element faces to define
the pre-tension section. Selecting element faces is the recommended method. Selecting elements rather than the geometry ensures that the resulting face
normals are consistent in your Abaqus input file. To select elements instead of faces, select Element from the Type Filter list on the Selection Bar.

See Working with reusable regions for contact and glue definitions.

Note As a best practice, you should define the pre-tension section in the middle of the bolt.

For more information on pre-tension sections, see the Prescribed assembly loads topic in the Abaqus Analysis User's Manual or the *PRE-TENSION SECTION
topic in the Abaqus Keywords Reference Manual.

Defining a pre-tension node

[Date] 15
Abaqus uses a pre-tension node to transmit the bolt pre-load across the pre-tension section. The pre-tension node can be any node that is not connected to
any element in your model. The coordinates of the pre-tension node are not important. In general, you should allow the software to assign a pre-tension
node for you. This ensures that the node meets the Abaqus criteria for a pre-tension node.

When you use the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to define a bolt pre-load for an Abaqus analysis, you can choose to explicitly select a pre-tension node. If you do
not select a pre-tension node, the software creates a new node when it writes out the Abaqus input file to serve as the pre-tension node. The software
creates the new node with coordinates of (0,0,0) and assigns it a label that is equal to the current maximum node ID +1.

Pre-load is applied along the normal for the pre-tension section

The software applies the load along a vector that is normal to the pre-tension section. The Section Normal option lets you control how the software
computes this vector.

If you select Average Surface Normal, the software computes an average normal to the section that faces away from the underlying continuum
elements.

If you select User Defined, you can define the vector to specify the normal. This option is useful when the direction in which you want to apply the load
is different from the average normal to the pre-tension section.

Constraining the pre-tension node

The pre-tension node has only one degree-of-freedom to represent the relative displacement with the pre-load in the direction of the specified vector. The
software fully constrains all DOF of the pre-tension node in subsequent steps of the analysis. This allows you to maintain the initial adjustment of the bolt
(pre-tension section) at their current values once the initial pre-tension has been applied. With this technique, the load across the bolt (pre-tension section)
changes according to the externally applied loads to maintain equilibrium.

If you use the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to manually designate a pre-tension node, you must ensure that the node and your model is appropriately
constrained by a load or boundary condition. If you do not apply a constraint to the pre-tension node, then you must ensure that your model is constrained
kinematically. If it is not, rigid body modes may occur.

[Date] 16
12.12.4.3.4 Pre-loaded bolts modeled with beam elements (Abaqus)
In Advanced Simulation, if you are working with Abaqus as your solver, you can model a pre-loaded bolt using B31 type beam elements. With Abaqus, you
apply bolt pre-loads to your model across defined pre-tension sections. In Abaqus, a pre-tension section (specified with the *PRE-TENSION SECTION keyword
in an Abaqus input file) defines the portion of the model across which the software applies the pre-load. For a bolt that you model with B31 type beam
elements, the pre-tension section is comprised of:

the beam element that defines the shank of the bolt

a pre-tension node, which you can either select or have the software generate for you

With a B31 element, the solver reduces the pre-tension section to a point. Abaqus assumes that the pre-tension section itself is located at the last node of
the element (node N2 in the graphic below) as defined by the element's connectivity. The following graphic shows an example of a bolt modeled with a beam
element. (A) shows the pre-tension section, and (B) shows the pre-tension node.

Bolt modeled with a beam element

[Date] 17
In Advanced Simulation, when you define a bolt pre-load for a model in which Abaqus is the specified solver, you do not explicitly create a pre-tension
section. When you solve your model, the software uses the beam element and a pre-tension node to create a pre-tension section in your Abaqus input file.

For more information on pre-tension sections, see the Prescribed assembly loads topic in the Abaqus Analysis User's Manual or the *PRE-TENSION SECTION
topic in the Abaqus Keywords Reference Manual.

Pre-load is applied along the normal for the pre-tension section

When you solve your model, Abaqus applies the specified bolt pre-load to the pre-tension section along the defined normal for the pre-tension section. The
Section Normal option in the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box lets you control the direction of the normal for the resulting pre-tension section.

If you select Along Element, the software computes the normal as the vector from the first node to the last node in the beam element's connectivity.

If you select User Defined, you can use a vector command to specify a different vector to use as the normal for the pre-tension section.

Defining a pre-tension node

Abaqus uses a pre-tension node to transmit the bolt pre-load across the pre-tension section. The pre-tension node can be any node that is not connected to
any element in your model. The coordinates of the pre-tension node are not important. As a best practice, however, you should allow the software to assign
a pre-tension node for you. This ensures that the node meets the Abaqus criteria for a pre-tension node.

When you use the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to define a bolt pre-load for an Abaqus analysis, you can choose to explicitly select a pre-tension node. If you do
not select a pre-tension node, the software creates a new node when it writes out the Abaqus input file to serve as the pre-tension node. The software
creates the new node with coordinates of (0,0,0) and assigns it a label that is equal to the current maximum node ID +1.

Constraining the pre-tension node

The pre-tension node has only one degree-of-freedom to represent the relative displacement with the pre-load in the direction of the specified vector. The
software fully constrains all DOF of the pre-tension node in subsequent steps of the analysis. This allows you to maintain the initial adjustment of the bolt
(pre-tension section) at their current values once the initial pre-tension has been applied. With this technique, the load across the bolt (pre-tension section)
changes according to the externally applied loads to maintain equilibrium.

[Date] 18
If you use the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to manually designate a pre-tension node, you must ensure that the node and your model is appropriately
constrained by a load or boundary condition. If you do not apply a constraint to the pre-tension node, then you must ensure that your model is constrained
kinematically. If it is not, rigid body modes may occur.

Types of pre-loading supported for beam elements

The Force on 1D elements type lets you apply a concentrated load (force) to the bolt.

With the Force on 1D elements type, the software applies a concentrated load to the pre-tension node. The load is the self-equilibrating force carried
across the pre-tension section. The force acts in the direction of the specified normal for the pre-tension section on the specified beam element. With
this type, when you solve your model, the software uses the *CLOAD keyword to define the bolt pre-load in your Abaqus input file.

For more information on the *CLOAD keyword, see the *CLOAD topic in the ABAQUS Keywords Reference Manual.

The Adjustment on 1D elements type lets you apply a tightening adjustment to the bolt.

With the Adjustment on 1D elements type, the software applies a tightening adjustment of the pre-tension section by using a nonzero boundary
condition at the pre-tension node. This corresponds to a change in the length of the selected beam element (bolt) in the direction of the specified
normal for the pre-tension section. With this type, when you solve your model, the software uses the *BOUNDARY keyword to define the bolt pre-load in
your Abaqus input file.

For more information on the *BOUNDARY keyword, see the *BOUNDARY topic in the Abaqus Keywords Reference Manual.

[Date] 19
12.12.4.4 Bolt pre-loads with ANSYS
If you are working with the ANSYS solver, you can use the Bolt Pre-Load command to apply a load to a bolt (or fastener).

Creating an appropriate mesh for analyzing pre-loaded bolts

In ANSYS, bolt-type connections are modeled with the PRETS179 pretension element. To solve a model in ANSYS that contains pre-loaded bolts, the regions
of the model that are connected by the PRETS179 elements must have matching meshes with coincident nodes.

In Advanced Simulation, you can use the Mesh Mating Condition command with the Free Coincident type to ensure that the meshes to connect with the
PRETS179 elements match. With the Free Coincident type, the software aligns the meshes but does not generate any connection elements. You can then
use the 1D Mesh to generate PRETS179 elements between the pairs of coincident nodes.

Note If you use the Split Body command to divide the bodies in your model, the software automatically creates a Glue Coincident type mesh mating
condition at the location of the split.

Key ANSYS bolt pre-load concepts

With ANSYS, you apply bolt pre-loads to your model across defined pre-tension sections. In ANSYS, a pre-tension section is specified with the SECDATA
command (using the PRETENSION type option) in an ANSYS input file. It defines the portion of the model across which the software applies the pre-load. A
pre-tension section is comprised of:

The PRETS179 elements that define the bolts or fasteners themselves.

A pre-tension node that the software uses to control and monitor the total tension loads.

In ANSYS, loads are then applied to the pre-tension section with the SLOAD command.

Defining the pre-tension section options

In Advanced Simulation, you specify the options for the SECDATA command that defines the pre-tension section in the physical property table for the
PRETS179 elements that define the bolt. The options in the SECDATA group in the PRETS179 physical property table dialog box let you select both a
pre-tension node and define a vector that controls the direction in which the software applies the load.

[Date] 20
The pre-tension node can be any node that is not connected to any element in your model. The coordinates of the pre-tension node are not important.
However, the pre-tension node must use the global Cartesian coordinate system as its nodal coordinate system. For more information on ANSYS pre-tension
nodes, see the PRETS179 topic in the ANSYS Element Reference manual.

Defining the bolt pre-load options

In Advanced Simulation, you can specify the options for the SLOAD command in two different places:

In the SLOAD group in the PRETS179 physical property table dialog box.

In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box.

The PRETS179 physical property table dialog box gives you access to a slightly expanded set of SLOAD options than the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box. The key
differences are:

With the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, the software always applies the defined load to the active load step. With the PRETS179 physical property table
dialog box, you can use the LSLOAD option to specify the load step to which the software applies the load.

With the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, if you choose LOCK as the KINIT option, the software automatically applies the lock to the next load step. With the
PRETS179 dialog box, you can use the LSLOCK option to specify the load step in which the software locks the value of the load.

Though the PRETS179 dialog box lets you specify more options for the ANSYS LSLOAD command, it only allows you to create a single LSLOAD command for
a given set of PRETS179 elements. That means you can only use it to apply a single bolt-preload to a given set of elements within a given load step. The Bolt
Pre-Load dialog box, in contrast, allows you to apply either a single LSLOAD command or multiple LSLOAD commands to the same set of PRETS179 elements.
This is helpful if you want to define multiple sequences of bolt pre-loads within a single analysis.

Note If you use both the LSLOAD options on the PRETS179 dialog box and the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box to define a bolt pre-load for the same set of
PRETS179 elements, the load defined with the Bolt Pre-Load takes precedence.

For more information, see Defining Pretension in a Joint Fastener in the ANSYS Basic Analysis Guide and LSLOAD in the ANSYS Commands Reference manual.

Types of pre-loading supported

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When you are working in the ANSYS environment, you create two different kinds of bolt pre-loading conditions: either a force or a length adjustment
(displacement). If you define the bolt pre-load from the PRETS179 dialog box, the KFD option controls whether the pre-load is a force or a displacement. If
you define the bolt pre-load from the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, the Type option controls whether the pre-load is a force or displacement.

The Force on 1D elements type lets you apply a concentrated load (force) to the bolt. In ANSYS, this sets the KFD option on the SLOAD command to
FORC.

With the Force on 1D elements type, the software applies a concentrated load to the pre-tension node The load is the self-equilibrating force carried
across the pre-tension section. The force acts in the direction of the specified normal for the pre-tension section on the specified PRETS179 element.
ANSYS applies the Force on 1D elements type as a ramped type load in which the load value for a given substep is linearly interpolated from the
values of the previous load step.

The Adjustment on 1D elements type lets you apply a tightening adjustment to the bolt. In ANSYS, this sets the KFD option on the SLOAD command to
DISP.

With the Adjustment on 1D elements type, the software applies a tightening adjustment of the pre-tension section by using a nonzero boundary
condition at the pre-tension node. This corresponds to a change in the length of the selected beam element (bolt) in the direction of the specified
normal for the pre-tension section. ANSYS applies the Adjustment on 1D elements type as a stepped type load. With a stepped load, the software
step changes the load at the first substep of the load step to the values of the current load step (i.e., the software uses the same values for all
substeps).

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12.12.4.4.1 Define a bolt pre-load (ANSYS)
Define the bolt

1. In the FEM file, use the 1D Mesh command to create PRETS179 elements to model the shank of the bolt. Ensure that the meshes that the
PRETS179 elements connect match exactly.

For more information, see 1D meshing.

2. (Optional) Use the 1D Connection command to connect the PRETS179 elements to the mesh on the surrounding part using either MPC184 type
elements or BEAM4 type elements (defined with very stiff properties). For more information, see 1D Connection and MPC184 or BEAM4 in the ANSYS
Element Reference Manual.

3. Define an appropriate pre-tension node for the bolt.

a. In the Simulation Navigator, right-click the PRETS179 mesh collector and choose Edit.

b. In the Mesh Collector dialog box, choose the appropriate physical property table for the PRETS179 elements and click Modify Selected.

c. In the PRETS179 dialog box, use the SECDATA options to specify a pre-tension node. For more information, see Defining the pre-tension section
options.

After you specify the SECDATA options, you can either use the options in the Pretension load (SLOAD) group in the PRETS179 dialog box or the Bolt Pre-Load
command to complete the definition of the bolt pre-load. See Defining the bolt pre-load options for a discussion of the criteria you should use to determine
where to define the bolt pre-load.

Define the bolt pre-load in the PRETS179 physical properties

1. Use the Force/Displacement key (KFD) option to specify the type of pre-load to create.

o Select FORC to apply a concentrated load (force) to the bolt.

o Select DISP to apply a tightening adjustment to change the length of the bolt.

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 2. Depending upon the KFD option you selected, use the FDVALUE option to specify the value of either the pre-tension force or displacement.

3. Use the Initial Action Key (KINIT) option to control how the software applies the pre-load.

o Select LOCK to have the software apply the specified pre-load in the current load step and then lock the load value in the next load step.

o Select SLID to have the software apply the specified pre-load in the current load step and then not maintain the specified preload in the next
load step.

o Select TINY to have the software apply a very small pre-tension load (equal to 0.1% of the specified Force) to the bolt. Do this if you selected
FORC from the KFD list.

For more information, see Bolt Pre-Load dialog box (ANSYS).

4. Use the LSLOAD option to specify the number of the load step to which to apply the defined FDVALUE.

5. If you selected FORC from the KFD list, use the LSLOCK option to specify the number of the load step in which the software locks the displacement
value resulting from the pre-tension force.

Define the bolt pre-load as a load on selected elements

1. Click OK in the PRETS179 dialog box.

2. Switch to the Simulation file and make the appropriate solution step active.

3. On the Advanced Simulation toolbar, select Bolt Pre-Load from the Load Type list.

4. In the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box, select the Type of pre-load to create.

o Select Force on 1D elements to apply a concentrated load (force) to the bolt.

o Select Adjustment on 1D elements to apply a tightening adjustment to change the length of the bolt.

5. [Optional] Specify a name for the load from the Bolt Pre-Load dialog box.

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6. In the Model Objects group, click Select Object and select the PRETS179 elements or curves to which to apply the pre-load.

7. In the Magnitude group, define the pre-load force or the tightening adjustment in one of these ways:

o Select Expression to use a constant value or NX expression to define the magnitude.

For more information, see the Expressions overview.

o Select Field to define magnitude that varies with frequency, time, or temperature.

For more information, see Using fields to define boundary conditions.

8. Use the KINIT option to control how the software applies the pre-load.

o Select LOCK to have the software apply the specified pre-load in the current load step and then lock the load value in the next load step.

o Select SLID to have the software apply the specified pre-load in the current load step and then not maintain the specified preload in the next
load step.

o If you selected Force on 1D elements from the Type list, select TINY to have the software apply a very small pre-tension load (equal to 0.1% of
the specified Force) to the bolt.

For more information, see Bolt Pre-Load dialog box (ANSYS).

9. Click OK.

The load is applied to the model.

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