A prediction method for load distribution in threaded connections

A new method has been developed for predicting the load distribution along the thread portion of a bolt and nut connection. The calculated results were validated by comparison with three-dimensional finite element analysis and Yamamoto's method. It was shown that the load distribution predicted by the model in this paper was in good agreement with the results from finite element model, and the load ratio on the first thread by the prediction model and finite element model was slightly larger than the results from Yamamoto's method. In addition, the results of calculation and finite element analysis indicated that the decreasing of the lead angle could improve the load distribution, the increasing of the length of thread engaged could significantly improve the load bearing capacity of the first thread, and the adopting of a material with low stiffness for the nut with respect to the bolt could improve the load distribution slightly.