Long-term preload measurement and prediction for Ti-6Al-4V and A286 bolts

Abstract

Long-term measurement and prediction for Ti-6Al-4V and A286 bolts was conducted. It was pointed out that Ti-6Al-4V indicates significant creep behavior and accumulated large creep strain and thus Ti-6Al-4V can not be applied for preloaded bolts. In addition, preload relaxation due to creep of solid-film lubricants for bolts and fastened aluminum parts were also pointed out. Recently, the authors developed a high strength bolted fastening system for satellite structures with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) solid film lubricated Ti-6Al-4V bolts and aluminum threadedand drilled-hole parts. The authors, hence, measured the preload of the fastening system for 253-days, predicted 30-years later preload, and confirmed that the preload reduction was not harmful. © 2013 The Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers.