Hi
I’m performing a nonlinear structural analysis in Altair OptiStruct for an automotive assembly containing several bolted joints. Each bolt is modelled using 3D solid (hex) elements, and contact interactions are defined between mating components.
The analysis includes two sequential load cases:
- Assembly Load (Bolt Preload) – representing the tightening process.
- Structural Loading – representing in-service loads applied to the assembled structure.
The simulation outputs include contact parameters, stress distributions, and section forces for the bolts.
I would like to better understand how to interpret bolt loosening and bolt failure from these nonlinear simulation results:
- What are the key result parameters or indicators (e.g., loss of contact pressure, change in bolt axial force, stress trends) that signify bolt loosening?
- How can I reliably assess bolt failure (e.g., yielding, fatigue risk, rupture) based on stress or strain results in the solid bolt model?
- Are there recommended post-processing methods or result combinations (e.g., force vs. displacement trends, contact pressure evolution) for evaluating bolted joint integrity in such nonlinear simulations?
Any guidance, best practices, or relevant documentation/examples for interpreting bolt preload loss and failure within OptiStruct would be greatly appreciated.
Whether there is any software available with Altair for such specific simulation.
