On the Characteristics of Rectangular Bolted Flanged Connections With Gaskets Subjected to External Tensile Loads and Bending Moments

This paper deals with the characteristics of a rectangular bolted connection of “T” shape with a gasket (filler plate), in which the flanges and a gasket (filler plate) are fastened with two bolts and nuts, and are then subjected to an external tensile load or a bending moment. The contact stress distribution which governs the sealing performance (clamping effect), the load factor (the relationship between an increment of axial bolt force and an external load), and the maximum stress produced in the bolt were analyzed by using a two-dimensional theory of elasticity as a three-body contact problem. Experiments were performed concerning the load factor and the maximum stress produced in the bolt. The analytical results are fairly consistent with experimental ones. The effects on the load factor and the contact stress distribution were examined for variation in Young’s modulus of different gaskets and the different distances between the bolt holes.