Random Vibration + Bolt Loosening - Help Needed!

YunMiao_1997

Hey everyone,

I’m working on a random vibration analysis and hitting a snag with bolt preload. From my understanding, random vibration is a linear simulation, right? So the contact is basically just open or frozen. But, when we talk about bolt preload, we’re dealing with some serious nonlinear contact between parts. This means standard random vibration can’t handle the bolt preload effect directly.

My main question is: Does anyone know of methods to account for bolt loosening (i.e., preload reduction) during a random vibration analysis? It seems like a common problem but I’m struggling with it.

Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!