FEA Bolt Tightening Connections and Their Implementation in Catia v5

Abstract

The Catia v5 software has an embedded finite element solver known as the “Elfini” package specifically targeting the users in the early stages of the design process. Since bolted connections are very common in product development, such functionality is made available in three variations. These are known as Bolt Tightening, Virtual Bolt Tightening, and Virtual Spring Bolt Tightening Connections. This paper deals with some subtle issues regarding first two of these connections. The intention is shedding light on these connections particularly due to the scattered information or better put, the lack of it, in the public domain.