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770420

Analysis and Design of

Threaded Assemblies

E. M . Alexander
Steel Co. of Canada, Ltd

THERE HAS BEEN a concerted effort within the Whereas these general tendencies are
International Standards Organization, ISO, to well known and require no further explan-
develop procedures for the design and ation, a precise method for predicting the
evaluation of fastener product standards on a failure mode for less extreme and obvious
sound technical "basis. This paper describes conditions has not previously been provided.
methods accepted by Technical Committee 2 of Based on extensive research, methods to
ISO, for the strength design of mechanical predict failure behaviour of threaded assem-
fasteners employing the ISO E68 thread profile. blies have been developed, and the use of
There are three possible failure modes these techniques for design and establishment
of a fastener assembly in the event of static of appropriate testing standards is described.
tensile overload.
a) Bolt* Breaking This more detailed approach to the
b) Bolt Thread Stripping design and testing of assemblies is partic-
c) Internal Thread Stripping ularly justified with the advent of modern
In the simplest cases:- tightening methods which are frequently based
a) Occurs when the length of thread engage- on deliberate discreet yielding of the
ment is long and the nut or internal thread fastener, assuring better utilization of
material is of compatible strength with the fastener strength as well as resistance to
bolt. loosening. Installation of many fasteners is
b) Occurs when the length of engagement is performed automatically or semi-automatically
short and the internal thread material is and fasteners may be inadvertently over-
relatively strong. tightened. Providing the bolt breaks
c) Occurs when the internal thread material corrective action becomes obvious. Stripping
is relatively weak and#the length of engage- of a small percentage of assemblies without
ment is relatively short. any bolt breaking may, however, go undetected
and these assemblies may be put into service
with potential for hazardous failure.
Accordingly appropriate length of thread
*N0TE: The terms Bolt and Nut refer to the engagement must be determined to provide
externally and internally threaded members, adequate assurance that some bolt breaking
respectively, throughout the text. will occur in the event of over-tightening

ABSTRACT

A model to precisely predict the load dimensional and mechanical properties are
and mode of failure of threaded assemblies known. These techniques have been extended
has been developed. The analysis is to provide a method for design of assemblies,
applicable to any assembly of the ISO R68 or and appropriate testing standards for the
Unified thread form, of which pertinent product.
1838
0096-736X/78/8603-1838$02.50
Copyright © 1978 Society of Automotive Engineers, Inc.
 Downloaded from SAE International by University of New South Wales, Sunday, September 16, 2018
and thus serve as a warning of incorrect
tightening.
Subsequently appropriate proof stresses
may be computed for the components to assess
that the design requirements have been met.
This is of particular significance when the
internally threaded member is a nut.
2.0 FACTORS INFLUENCING THE STRENGTH OF
SCREW THREADS
The most significant factors that affect
the static strength of a threaded assembly
are as follows:-
2,1 GEOMETRIC OR DIMENSIONAL FACTORS
a) Tensile Stress Area of Bolt A i - Bolt
ultimate tensile strength is directly
proportional to A . computed for actual
dimensions of the bolt (see Appendix A ) .
b) Shear Area ofExternal Threads AS . - The
geometric shear area of the external threads
in the unstrained condition is the area of
intersection between the external threads and
a cylinder, equal in diameter to the mating
nut minor diameter and of height Equal to
length of thread engagement. Equations for
calculation of AS . are given in Appendix A.
It will be seen that in addition to
depending on Bolt thread dimensions AS . is
also a function of nut minor diameter and
length of thread engagement.
In the case of conventionally formed
nuts, the minor diameter or hole is not
perfectly cylindrical, but usually exhibits
some bell mouthing. This can be accounted
for by varying the diameter over the height
of the nut in small discreet increments.
Generally the maximum degree of bell mouthing
iS approximately 1.03 x minor diameter, and
can be accurately accounted for by employing
the mean diameter over the length of bell
mouthing.
c) Shear Area of Internal Threads AS . - The
' ' ** ■ ■ ■ - ■ — ■ i ■■■■ — i.
geometric shear area of the internal threads
in the unstrained condition is the area of
intersection between the internal threads and
a cylinder equal in diameter to the mating
bolt major diameter. The shear area of the
internal threads depends on nut Thread
dimensions bolt major diameter and length of
thread engagement. (Equations are given in
Appendix A ) .
d) Length of Thread Engagement LE. - Length of
thread engagement is less than the nut
height, due to the presence of the countersink
in the nut which significantly reduces the
shear area of both nut and bolt threads,
although it does not entirely eliminate the
area for the depth of the countersink.
Computation of the area reduction due to the
countersink is very complex. On the non-
bearing side of the nut for example, "the nut
and bolt threads will not contact in the
unstrained condition. The effect of the
countersink was, therefore, investigated
experimentally (l)* and an empirical factor
is used to account for it.
The "effectiveness" of the countersunk
portion of the nut thickness, as defined in
Appendix A, was determined to be 40% for both
nut and bolt threads. That is, the height of
the nut for which the countersink is present
contributes only 40% of the strength of an
equal height without countersink, and for
strength calculations the actual nut height
must be accordingly reduced to provide the
length of thread engagement LE. (See Appendix
A for formula).
2,2 ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF EXTERNAL THREAD
MATERIAL CT
s
CT directly affects ultimate tensile
strength of the externally threaded member
and also has a major influence on shear or
stripping strength of the threads. The effect
is not directly proportional to <J due to
bending that occurs between the threads,
this is described in paragraph 2.6 below.
2.3 ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF INTERNAL THREAD
MATERIAL 0*
n
CT has a strong influence on internal
thread stripping strength, however, as is the
case for the external threads the effect is
not directly proportional due to thread
bending.
2.4 RATIO OF SHEAR STRENGTH TO TENSILE
STRENGTH
The ultimate shear strength of steel is
significantly lower than the ultimate tensile
strength. This relationship has been invest-
i YY2_
igated for a wide range of tensile strengths,
(2, 3) and has been shown to be approximately
constant with a value of the order of 0.6".
It is not possible to investigate this factor
in isolation in threaded assemblies due to
simultaneous thread bending influences that
occur. The value of 0.6 is, therefore, based
on shear tests on materials. As there is
interaction with thread bending effects any
small discrepancies in the shear/tensile
strength ratio are taken into account by the
thread bending strength reduction factors
described in paragraph 2.6.
*Numbers in parentheses designate References
at end of paper.
New Text
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1840
2.5 NUT DILATION
Under load the wedging action of the 60
threads causes dilation of the nut hence
increasing the minor diameter of the nut and
reducing the effective shear areas of both the
external and internal threads. This dilation
becomes notably more pronounced as the nut wall
thickness or Width Across Flats to nominal
diameter ratio s/D, decreases. Analysis of
research (3» U) into this effect provides the
following formula for strength reduction due
to dilation of hexagonal nuts.
The equation, which is shown graphically in
Figure 1, applies to both nut and bolt threads.
2.6 RELATIVE STRENGTH OF NUT TO BOLT THREAI8 R
s threads are, therefore, also constrained
xne strengrn raxj.o it CLefineci as ti =
^ujw i/^ujw j is xne factor wiat controls
the de£p?ee Sf thread bending between internal
and external fhrrads. Under appween inad the
nut and boll screa threads are plih elastically
and an the casc ew suffidiently high lasds
alastically deformed fr cint. yhig thread
pending decreasor the effentive hhear ared and
alnd predente a contace furface at a resser
angle to the axic nf the brft, whica lreates
a gleater mechanical advantage for the wedging
action of the threads and hence for nut
dilation. The resultant stren^rth reduttion
is shown .T Figure lt Thit Dhsnomenon
observen inF reported in referencee on 2*1
was furthar inveortgated rn refecenc( fl2
Figurr i ve tivited intr feren of nut
stripFing when the redative strength of the
E. M. ALEXANDER
nut threads to the bolt threads is less than
unity, and bolt stripping when the relative
strength of the nut thread to the bolt thread
exceeds unity. It is important to note that
Figure 2 is not a graphic illustration of
load carrying capacity of threads, it merely
shows two of tne factors that are used in
computing thread load carrying capacity.
These are the strength reduction factors C2
and C3 to account for thread bending of the
external and internal threads respectively.
As R increases from the extreme low
values, curve C3 decreases and then flattens
out coincident with R reaching unity. The
reason for this phenomenon, is that for low
values of R the bolt thread has a great
excess of strength and does not bend
greatly, and hence maintains the flank
contact angle at approximately 60° to the
axis, thus limiting nut dilation. The nut
from bending and the threads are sheared
cleanly in the event of stripping (Figure 3)>
As R increases, the excess of strength of
the bolt threads over the nut threads is
reduced hence permitting a greater degree of
thread bending, leading to reduction of the
effective shear area and greater nut dilation.
For values of R approaching unity both nut
and bolt threads are severely deformed, and
in the event of stripping it is frequently
impossible to determine which thread stripped,
unless the load is removed and the threads
examined after the first sign of failure
(Figure 3)* For values of R greater than
unity bolt stripping prevails and C3 becomes
a hypothetical curve included only to
calculate the excess stripping strength of
nut to bolt.
The form of curve C2 is explained
similarly to C3 above. It will be noted,
however, that curve C2 is slightly higher
than C3 for equivalent values of strength
ratio R . (Equivalent values occur when R
for C2 equals the reciprocal of R for C3)-
The reason for this phenomenon is that at
very low values of R nut material yield to
ultimate strength ratio is of the order
of 50%>» while for the extremely high values
of R the yield to ultimate ratio was of the
order of QS% clue to difference in micro-
structure. This difference is manifested as
a reduced nut dilation in the latter case,
as plastic deformation does not occur as
readily. The fact that C2 actually exceeds
the value of 1.0 for R greater than 1.7 ,
and hence indicates not a strength of
reduction but a strength increase, results
from the extreme conditions of nut hardness
and yield to ultimate strength ratio which
were not encountered when the factor CI for
nut dilation was investigated. In practice,
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THREADED ASSEMBLIES 1841

however, the effect is satisfactorily 2.8 EFFECT OF APPLIED TORQUE

accounted for by factors C2 and C3. The
values of C2 and C3 in Figure 2 can be It is well established that the breaking
computed from the following equations: strength (axial component) of a bolt is
markedly reduced when the load is applied by
tightening of the nut or bolt as compared
with a purely axial tensile load. This
reduction, which is generally of the order
15% - 20%, is a result of the additional
shear stress applied by torque transmitted
to the bolt shank through friction between
the threads of mating parts.
An additional effect of the tightening
action which is particularly significant, is
that the stripping strength of both nut and
bolt threads also decreases when a nut-bolt
assembly is tightened by rotation of the
nut (l). The decrease in stripping strength
is mainly the result of severe nut dilation
2.7 COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION under the conditions of sliding friction
between threads and bearing surfaces. This
The values of C2 and C3 are highly lower sliding friction coefficient permits a
dependent on the coefficient of friction greater degree of nut dilation and hence
between the mating parts. As heat-treated reduces the resistance of the screw threads
parts have a surface texture resulting in a to stripping; typical reductions are of the
high coefficient of friction, these parts order 10% - 15% below strength under purely
exhibit greater resistance to stripping than axial loading without nut or bolt rotation.
identical assemblies to which have been During tightening, therefore, both
applied friction reducing coatings such as breaking strength of the bolt and resistance
phosphate and oil. (l) to stripping of the threads decreases. This
Reduction of coefficient of friction latter effect tends to negate the expected
allows the nut to dilate more readily and increase in the incidence of bolt breaking
lowers the stripping resistance. For design as a mode of failure under applied torque.
purposes the more adverse condition is A low coefficient of friction between
applied, i.e. the lower coefficient of contact surfaces maximizes the bolt axial
friction and equations for C2 and C3 are strength by minimizing torque required for
based on this condition. tightening, at the same time it minimizes
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1842 E. M. ALEXANDER

stripping strength of the screw threads by This effect is illustrated in Figure 4.

permitting nut dilation to occur more The bolt breaking may increase by approx
readily and to a greater degree. The imately 10-20% by reducing the threads within
converse is true for a high coefficient of the grip. Stripping strength does not usually
friction. Testing of assemblies with show much significant effect until the strip
various finishes, including phosphate and load approaches bolt breaking load. Even
oil coatings, indicated that for lubricated when the stripping load predicted is well in
parts under torque tension loading the excess of the bolt breaking load when
reduction of axial strength of the bolt is initially tested with adequate threads within
5% greater than the reduction of stripping the grip, as the number of threads is reduced
strength of the screw threads (l, 6). The the mode of failure changes from bolt break
result of torque-tension loading, therefore, ing to stripping. It would not be practically
is to reduce both stripping strength and feasible or economically viable to protect
bolt breaking strength, however, a net against this condition in design of the
advantage of 5% accrues to stripping strength fastener products, this should instead be
over breaking strength compared with purely controlled through correct selection and
axial loading, resulting in a shift in mode application of fasteners.
of failure. The above factors are considered to be
the most significant influences on the static
strength of threaded assemblies, additional
2.9 NUMBER OF THREADS IN THE GRIP
factors no doubt influence strength to a
small degree, but it has been determined
through extensive testing that the strength
The number of threads within the grip of product of satisfactory quality can be
has a significant effect on both the static
and dynamic strength of a bolt. This has accurately predicted from the above factors.
been recognized in design and test standards 3.O PREDICTION OF STRENGTH OF SCREW THREADS
which required an adequate number of threads
within the grip. In addition to affecting While detailed joint design, fastener
the bolt strength the threads in the grip property and size selection etc., to suit
influence resistance to stripping, as the
number of threads decreases, necking of the the type of loading is the design engineers
bolt may actually occur at the engaged responsibility, fastener product standards
threads within the nut. This lengthens the should aim to provide reliable and economical
pitch, reduces the thread overlap and causes components that may be readily produced and
a reduction in stripping load. This strength used without undue restrictions. In most
reduction does not occur unless the stripping applications it is the objective to obtain
loads are great enough to initiate local as great a clamp as possible in the installed
necking of the bolt threads. fastener. It is important for fastener
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THREADED ASSEMBLIES 1843

AS . = Shear Area of External Thread

S1
(Appendix A ) .
AS . = Shear Area of Internal Thread
(Appendix A ) .
CI = Hut Dilation Factor.
C2 = Thread Bending Factor for Bolts.
C3 = Thread Bending Factor for Huts.
0.6 = Material (Shear Strength/Ultimate
Tensile Strength) Ratio.
It is apparent that the strength of a
nut or bolt cannot be viewed in isolation
and the inter-relationship of both components
of the assembly must be considered in
predicting strength.
The above model was based on numerous
experimental results using a wide range of
mechanical property combinations (l). The
model was also checked against extensive
results of other researches (2, 7) and
correlation of all results with the model
was found to be better than 92% with a 3%
degree of confidence.
When the torsional stresses and
rotation encountered during installation are
considered, all three of the values given in
equations 1-3 are reduced. As discussed in
paragraph 2.8 above, for the purpose of
design purposes to be able to predict the design, a $% greater reduction in bolt
strength of an assembly, and the mode of tensile strength over thread stripping
failure in the event of overloading. In strength is applied. The equations developed
this manner the strength of assembly com- for the strength of screw threads in pure
ponents can be made compatible and greater tension can, therefore, be used to predict
assurance of the assembly integrity is mode of failure in torque tension by account-
provided. ing for the % differential.
Equations were developed that precisely To clarify the interaction of the
take account of pertinent dimensions and factors in the strength model, consider the
mechanical properties to predict the ultimate following example:-
static strength and mode of failure (bolt
The screw thread dimensions of a
strip, nut strip or bolt break) of the
hypothetical 10 mm nut-bolt assembly are
assembly in the event of overloading with a
measured and the following areas are calc-
purely tensile load.
ulated in accordance with Appendix A.
The general form of the equations are
as followsj-

Width across flats is measured and CI calc-

ulated to be equal to .825.
The assembly is property class 9.8,
bolt tensile strength is 980 MPa and from
hardness tests the nut material tensile
strength is determined to 670 MPa.
Before strength equations kt 5 and 6,
can be applied the thread bending factors
C2 and C3 must be determined.
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1844 E.M.ALEXANDER

From Figure 2 corresponding values of stripping strength relative to bolt breaking

C2 and C3 are .897 and .905 respectively strength.
(C2 and C3 should be calculated using the Therefore,, for torque-tens ion loading:-
forrrrulae for accuracy).
Mut Strirminsr Streneth/Bolt Breaking Strength

As the nut stripping strength is now relative-

ly greater we conclude that under torque-
tension loading the mode of failure will be
bolt-breaking.

The above equations predict that in the k.O STRENGTH DESIGN OF SCREW THREADS
event overloading with a purely tensile load
the mode of failure will be nut stripping. Threaded fasteners are mainly consumed
From the R value in Figure 2 it was apparent in automatic or semi-automatic assembly line
that for this assembly the bolt threads were applications. In the event of accidental
stronger than the nut threads. If the over-torqueing, it is desirous that the
length of engagement of the threads is assembly not fail in the stripping mode, as
increased AS . and AS . will increase prop- an incipient failure could go undetected. On
ortionately and so will the stripping the other hand, the total elimination, by
strength until the nut stripping strength design, of any possibility of stripping
exceeds 53900 N when the mode of failure will would impose a severe economic penalty to
become bolt breaking under purely axial load. guard against an event that has an extremely
If in the example the bolt tensile low probability of occurring. The following
strength is increased to 11+00 MPa say, the statistical design approach has, therefore,
strength ratio R would be considerably been taken:-
lower. Owing to tooling wear and the inherent
variability of manufacturing processes, the
physical and mechanical properties of fast-
eners within a lot (shipment), exhibit random
variations. It is feasible that within a
single lot of fasteners all the dimensions
could approach the minimum material con-
dition, however, based on equipment capability
considerations, it is expected that the
range of variability for various properties
within such a small lot is not likely to be
less than the following.
Hut Minor Diameter - 30% of full tolerance
Nut Pitch Diameter - £0% of full tolerance
From the above it is seen that the nut Bolt Major Diameter- 20% of full tolerance
stripping strength increases by approximately Bolt Pitch Diameter- 2$% of full tolerance
11%, but nut stripping remains the mode of Root Radius - 0,1 x Pitch
failure. By increasing bolt hardness, R is Width Across Flats
decreased and thread bending is reduced of Hut - 20% of full tolerance
with a corresponding increase in the value of Nut Height - 60% of full tolerance
C3) leading to greater stripping strength of Hut Countersink
the nut. Although nut strength increases, Angle - $°
bolt hardness and hence strength increases Nut Countersink
at a much greater rate hence moving R further Diameter - 1% of Nominal Diameter
into the nut stripping zone in Figure 2. Bolt Material
The above is precisely what occurs when the Tensile Strength - 60 MPa
nut is assembled with a hardened mandrel for Nut Material
proof testing, it is therefore important to Tensile Strength - 60 MPa
recognize this phenomenon when setting It is quite realistic to assume a
standards for proof testing of nuts. Normal distribution of characteristics within
In the initial example, with a 980 MPa this range, A condition adverse for stripping
bolt, if a torque-tension loading had been would occur when all dimensions within a lot
applied instead of pure tension the equations approached the minimum material condition,
could have still been used to predict mode as shown by way of example in Figure 5»
of failure ~by applying a 5% advantage of while simultaneously the nut material
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THREADED ASSEMBLIES 1845

strength approached minimum values, and bolt hard enough to provide a strength ratio, Rs,
material strength tended to the maximum of 1 or greater. Likewise, for heat treated
values. The statistical probability of nuts the hardness can be controlled to
stripping under these conditions can be provide a value for Rs of 1 or greater in
computed by means of a Monte Carlo computer most instances. As seen from Figure 2,
simulation (1). The listing of a computer under these conditions in the event of
program written for this purpose is given in stripping it is bolt stripping that would
Appendix B with a simulation example. occur. In the case of cold formed nuts for
Product Standards generally reflect use with property class 8.8 and 9.8 bolts,
tolerances, dimensions and mechanical Rs is less than 1.0 and typically of the
properties that can be economically achieved order 0.8. It is generally considered more
with present technology. Adjustment of the economical to increase nut height than to
stripping strength of an assembly relative to increase nut hardness to protect against
the tensile strength of the threaded member stripping. Therefore, non-heat treated nuts
is generally most easily achieved by varying for use with property class 8.8 and 9.8
the length of thread engagement; in the case bolts are generally of greater height to
of a nut and bolt this is achieved by varying protect against nut stripping.
the nut height. Nuts can readily be formed
up to approximately 1.1 x D with standard
hexagon sizes, however, for heights in excess
of approximately 1.2D, the increase of
strength is no longer proportional to
increasing height so this condition should be
avoided as uneconomical.
The computer program of Appendix B
determines the first three moments of the
probability for assembly stripping versus nut
height. From these moments the Cumulative
Probability distribution of stripping and
bolt breaking versus nut height can be
determined, as shown in Figure 6.
It is seen as the nut height increases
the probability of stripping decreases and
the probability of bolt breaking shows a
complementary increase. If the nut height
was selected, corresponding to the 90%
stripping 10% breaking point, then in the
event of over-torqueing on an assembly line
this 10% breakage would serve as sufficient
warning that the fasteners were being in
correctly applied and corrective action
could be taken. Such assemblies would
conform with specifications and carry well
in excess of the minimum required load.
It is also noteworthy that this basis
of design would result in approximately 2.5%
probability of stripping for the entire
population in the event of over-torqueing,
therefore, in practice stripping would be a
rare event. The program of Appendix B has,
therefore, been written to design nut
height for these conditions. As the third
moment (skewness) of the distribution is
generally relatively small the results have
been computed using the first and second
moments only and considering the data as
conforming to a Normal Distribution. Once
the minimum required nut height is computed
the tolerance is applied positively from
the minimum.
Cold formed nuts for use with property
class 6.8 and lower bolts, are generally
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1846 E. M. ALEXANDER

5.0 PROOF STRESS 6.0 DESIGN OF NON-STANDARD ASSEMBLIES

As verification of strength conformance, Using the described equations and

nuts are subjected to a "proof" test. Under computer program, strength design (nut height)
referee conditions, the nut is assembled for any fastener assembly of the UN or ISO 68
with a hardened mandrel ground to restricted thread profile may be computed. (With slight
dimensional tolerances. It is considered modification to the tensile stress area
that a nut should be capable of meeting proof calculation, the program can be used for
load even when at minimum material and the "J" profile in addition). The above
mechanical strength conditions. Therefore, design approach has been restricted to
based on the nut heights previously computed, fasteners in the size 5 through 36 mm, as
as described in 4.0, the corresponding applications and tightening methods for
appropriate proof loads were determined by sizes outside this range are generally not
computation as follows: consistent with the design criterion. The
Using equation 6 of paragraph 3.0, strength prediction equations 4-6 of
stripping strength is computed for dimensions paragraph 3.0 are, however, applicable and
of nut in minimum material condition and can be used to determine fastener strength.
minimum strength conditions. Mandrel
dimensions are in accordance with ISO 898/II. As nut heights and proof loads for
The result of equation 6 is then factored standard diameter-pitch combinations and
by 0.98 to account for difference between mechanical property classes are tabulated
ultimate and proof load. This value then in ISO R272 and R898/II, the more detailed
rounded to three significant figures is the design considerations will not generally be
proof load. of practical consequence. However, in the
The referee mandrel, used for conducting event that a non-standard assembly is to be
proof tests, is considerably harder than designed and a computer is not available to
bolts with which most nuts are assembled. the designer, a simplified approach is
As detailed in paragraph 3·0 this has the suggested in Appendix C. Computer simulation
effect of causing the nuts to fail at is, however, preferred.
higher loads. Neglecting dimensional effects
of the bolt versus mandrel, strength
increases are approximately as follows when
using a hardened mandrel.

REFERENCES

1.E. M. Alexander, "Design and Strength

These values show a decline with higher of Screw Threads." Transactions of Conference
strength bolts as the margin of mandrel on Metric Mechanical Fasteners, Co-sponsored
strength over bolt strength decreases. by ANSI, ASME, ASTM and SAE. Presented at
It is again emphasized that nut heights American National Metric Council Conference,
are initially designed to provide the user Washington, 1975.
with assurance against stripping and then 2.P. Gill, "The Static Strength of
proof loads are computed for the nut at Screw Threads." G.K.N.
minimum material and minimum strength 3.H. W. Ellison, "Effect of Nut
conditions when assembled with the referee Geometry on Nut Strength." General Motors
mandrel. The proof stresses corresponding Corporation, Warren, Michigan, 1970.
to these loads vary slightly from size to 4. "Formula for Calculating the Stripping
size. For simplicity and also to account Strength of Internal Threads in Steel."
for non-standard fasteners, proof stresses Report to ISO/TCl/WG4 by Sweden-Bultfabriks AB.
have been fixed over certain size ranges 5· J. D. Parisen, "Length of Thread
within each property class. Engagement into Nodular Iron." General Motors
Corporation, Warren, Michigan, 1969.
This approach is conceptually more com 6.H. Wiegand and K. H. Illgner,
plex as it results in proof stresses that "Holtbarkeit von Shraubenverbindungen mit
are not simply equal to the minimum ultimate ISO-Gewindeprofil." Konstruktion, 1967.
stress of the bolt, however, this results in 7.N. F. Fleischer and D. Strelow,
no practical difficulties but rather it "Stripping Strength of Cold Forged Nuts Made
provides values that are truly compatible from Unalloyed Low Carbon Steel." IS0/TC2,
with the nut. March 1975.
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THREADED ASSEMBLIES 1847

APPENDIX A
For the purpose of design the counter
1. Symbols sink parameters are as follows:
P = Pitch Countersink Angle = 90°
R = Root Radius Countersink Diameter:
H = Height of Fundamental Thread Triangle
m = Nut Height
LE = Length of Thread Engagement
LB = Length of Bell Mouthed Section of Nut
= Tensile Stress Area
As
ASs = Shear Area External Threads
s
ASn = Shear Area Internal Threads

1HZ7H[W
c

D = Basic Major Diameter,

Int
D1 = Basic Minor Diameter,
Internal
New Text
Nut
of Internal
Dm = Mean Diameter of Bell Mouthed
Section
Dc =
= Basic P.D Internal
D2
Dc = Design Countersink Diameter
DiMiBasiamneortecr,
d = Basic
Major Diameter, External
External d1 = Basic Minor Diameter,
= Basic P.D External
d2

d3 = Minor Diameter External Theads =

New Text New Text

Brtoth
=
UlMat???s
StTensi
eimngteratilaehl Ultimate Tensile Strength ? s =
Nrteimngteutratilaehl
=
UlMat???n
StTensi S Ratio =
CfAS
s = Widtj Across Flats
s Rs = Strength Ratio = ???nASn/???sASa
s s s s s
Subscript ??? following above symbols indicates
actual or measured value.
Height of Countersink on both sides of nut

2. Tensile Stress Area Allowing 40% effectiveness for countersink

height[<_->] -

k· Shear Area External Threads AS s -

ASs
Threads
External
Area
Shear
4.

3. Length of Thread Engagement LE - Actual

measured nut height, m., must be reduced to 5. Shear Area InternalThreads ASn
account for the effect of the countersink to n
obtain LE for the purpose of strength calc
ulation.
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1848 E. M. ALEXANDER

APPENDIX B

C PROURAIiI VvRITT!.::N IN H)tI"i'RAf..J IV fOR rHI!.:: SHARING APPLICATION

C r~OTATION USED •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
C AS=TEl'iSI LE STRESS AREA Of BOLT
C ASS=SHEAR AREA Of EXTfRl~AL THREAD
C STRPE=EXTfRr4AL THREAD SfR I P LOAD
C ASl..J=SHEAR AREA Of INTERNAL THREAD
C STRPI=INTERNAL THREAD SfRIP LOAD
C BRK=BOLT BREAKING LOAU
C NUTS=NUT l'AATERIAL TEUSILE STRENGTH
C BUTS BOLT MATERIAL TEi~SILE STRE1~GTd
C BTHUTS=TErJSI LE STRErWfH OF MATER IAL IN BOLT THREAD
C PDE=P.D. BOLT
C PDI=P.D. NUT
C OE=MAJOR OIAM BOLT
C DI=r.1INOR LEAM BOLT
C RS=THREAO RELAfI VE STRfNGTH RAT 10
C RAD=ROOT RAOIUS AS A DECIMAL I""RACTION OF P
C D=NOMINAL DIAMETER
C P=PITCH
C IV=IH DTd ACROSS FLATS
C OIC = DIAMEfER Of CONICAL SECTION ll'J NUT
C HTC = IjEIGHT OF CONICAL SECTION AS A PROPORTION OF NOMINAL NUT HEIGHT
C S( ) =SUM
C SQ ( )=SUM of SQUARES
c cue )=SUM Of CUBES
C MU( )=MEAN VALUE
C SIU( )=STANDARD DEVIAfION
C SKbH )=THIRD MOMEl'JT
REAL R(12,2),S(3),SQ(~),CU(3),HI(3),SIG(3),SKEW(3),ANAME(3)
REAL 01, POI, DE ,PDE, 1'1, NUTS, BUTS, BTHUTS, BRK, AS, ASS ,ASN, STR PE,
flo. STR PI, 0, P
REAL MU(3)
DATA ANAME/4HNUT ,4HBOLT,4HMAX I
3PRINT,"DIAM ANO PITCH" ; READ,D,P
II"" CD • EQ. 0.0) STOP
PRINT,H NUT MINOR DIAW';Rt:AO,R(3, I ),R(3,2)
PRINT,"NUT PITCH DIAW' ; READ,R(4,1),R(4,2)
PRINT,H BOLT MAJOR D.";READ,R(S,I ),R(5,2)
PRINT,IIBOLT PITCH DIA!~1t ; READ,R(6,1 ),R(6,2)
PRINT,ItROOT RADIUS AS A FUNCTION OF pit ; READ,R(7,1 ),R(7,2)
PRINT,lIvHOTH ACROSS FLATSII ; READ,R(8, I ),R(8,2)
PRINT,ItCSK OIA. AS A FUNCTION OF NOMINAL OIA.,MIN/MAX H;READ,R(II,J),R(IJ,2)
C CADI & CAD2 ARE THE MINIMUM & MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE COUNTERSINK ANGLES
C VALUES ARE ESTABLISHED IN DEGREES
CADI=90.;CAU2=95.
C ESTABLISHING COUNTERSINK ANGLE LIMITS IN RADIANS
R(12,1 )=CAOI*.OJ74533
R(12,2)=CAD2*.0174533
C READING IN FULL TOLERANCE RANGE OF NUT HEIGHTS
PRINT,"FULL TOLERANCE RANGE of NUT HEIGHT It;READ,FULTOL
C DETERMINING RESTRICTED TOLERANCE RANGE OF r..JORMAL PRODUCTION VARIATION
PRODTOL=. 6*f ULTOL
R(9, 1)=0. ;R(9,2)=PROOfOL
~ PRINT,"MIN & MAX LIMITS Of I-II
PRINT,1t NUT TENSILE";READ,R(I,I),R(I,2)
PRINT," BOLT TENSILE";READ,R(2,1 ),R(2,2)
S ( J ) =0.0' S (2 ) =0.0' SQ (J ) =0.0; SQ ( 2 ) =0.0; CU ( J ) =0.0; CU ( 2 ) =0.0
S(3)=0.OfSQ(3)=0.0;CU(3)=0.0
RA=RRAND(4)
C MAX=NUMBER OF SIMULATIONS
MAX=IOOO
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THREADED ASSEMBLIES 1849

C COiAPUTING fHE E~r'ECT OF lJOi~ CYLINU:-nCAL NUT MUJClR lJIMH':TEF<

C SETfING MIiJ & j'vlAX VALJES OF DIC
C SETTI1'iG MIN & MAX dEI:]H[ of COrJICAL SfCrIOiJ
R( 10, I )=0.3;R( 10,2)=0.~
JO I JJ=I,MAX
C GENfRATING RANlX1M VALUES Or: VARIABU'::S
C CSD=COUNTERSINK DIA.iIEfER AS A FUliCTIOi4 ()f U
C CSKA = COUNTERSI i'JK ANGLE AS A j--'U1JClION OF 0
C VARILOT = AMOUNT i.3Y I'IHICd HEIGHT iXCEEJS :3PEClr'IEtJ
C !AINIMUM <BASED ON TOLERMJCE)
CALL NOR II\( R , NUT S , B UT S ,{) I , P D I ,U E , P UE , F-i AD, B r rl UTS , fI A t t/ , 0 I C , h f C , CS :) , CS i( A , v' Ain L() r )
C CALCULATIr~G BOLT THREA0 SHEAR AREA (ASSU;,jJ,JG Lt:=};\<L)
C UCIi1=MEAN OF MINOR UIAM & ,.1AX CO;'!E UIA,;\
UICM=(DI+DIC)/2.0
ASS 1=3. 1416/P*DI*( 0 .5*P+( POE-DI )/SOR1' (3. »ltd I .-flfC)
ASS2=3.1416/P*OICM*CO.5*P+(PUE-UICM)/SORI(J.»*H1'C
ASS=ASSI+ASS2
C CALCULATI NG NUT THREAU SHEAR AREA (ASSUMI NG LE= I ,\oD)
ASN=3.1416/P*DE*(0.5*P+(UE-PDI)/SORf(3. »
C CALCULATIUG STRENGTH RArIO AND flif.{cAU BEUDIlW FACTof{S
~S=ASN*NUIS/(ASS*BTIiUfS)
C2=5.594-13.6H2*RS+14.1J7*RS**2-6.a~7*RS**3+.9353*HS**4-
C3=.728+1.769*RS-2.896*RS**2+1.296*RS**3
C I =- ( IvA) ) **2 +3. tNIUU-2 .61
If(~S.GT.I.O) C3=.H97
IHRS.LT.I .0) C2=.i397
STRPE=Cl *C2*ASS*BTHUTS*. 6
STRPI=CI*C3*ASN*NUTS*.6
C CALCULATIi~G BOLT TENSILE STRESS AHEA
AS=. 78540* (PDE-. 4330 I *P+RAi~P )*';1;2
tlRK=AS*i3UTS
C - ADJUSTING BHEAKIM] STKENGTH OOIJN~'JMU BY 5;'; ro ACCi)UiH FOR
C EffECT Of TORQUE TENSIOl~ LOADIiJG
t3kK= BRK*.95
C CALCULATING NUT HEIGiH ~EQUIRED 1'0 AVOID STHIPPING
HI< I )=BRK/STRP I
Hl(2)=HRK/STRPE
C DETERMINATION Of UNEFffCIIVf COUNTEt?SIUK Jit:IGHF
C CSKD = COUNTERSINK DlAiM:[ER
C CSKHT = HEIGHT Of COJrlTERSINK NOT COiHRII3JTIl1G fO STKENGfH (UNEfrE::CfIVE)
CSKU=CSU*D
CSKHT=CCCSKD-R<J,2»/2. )*(TAN( 1.570796-(CSKA/2. »)*c 1-.4>*2.
C ADDING COUNTERSINK UNEFfECfIVE HEIUrif TO HUT HeIGHT
H [( I ) =HT CI )+CSKHT
HT(2)=HT(2)+CSKHT
C SUBfRACT PORTION OF TOLERANCE USElJ [0 DETER,,\ IrJE ,'1\1 N NUT HE IGHI fOR SPEC If ICAT! OiJ
Hf( I )=dT( 1 )-VARILOT .
tH( 2 )=HT<2 )-VAR ILOT
C UETERMWI1JG THE MAXIMU!" Of REOUIRED lifIGHT
Hf(3)=AMAXI(Hf(1 ),HT<2»
C iJETERMIr~WG THE fIRST THREE j,IO/I\HITS Of THe UISTt?II3UTIOrJ
DO 4 1=1 ,3
S ( I) =S ( I l+rif (l )
SO(I)=SQ(I)+Hf(I)**2
CU( I )=Cll( I )+Hrc I )**3
4 CONTINLlE
I CONTINUE
KivlAX=fLOAT (i'IAX )
PRINT," :,IEAl'J STU. DEV. SKHmESS"
DO 2 1=1,3
MU(I)=S(I)/RMAX
SIG(I)=SQRTCRMAX*SQ(I)-S(!)**2)/RMAX
SKEW (I )=(CU ( I) IRMAX-3. O*MU ( I )* (SQ( I) IRi',;AX)+2 .O*;'I\U ( I h\-*3) IS IG( I ) **3
PRINT 100,ANAME(I).MU(I),SIG(I),SKE~(I)
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1850 E. M. ALEXANDER
fOOFORMAT(IH ,A4,3EI6.5)
2CONTINUf
C COMPUTING NUT HEIGHTS t3ASED ON NORMALLY DISTRIBUTED DATA FOR
C 90% PROBABI LITY OF SfR I PP ING
HI=(MU(3)-1.28*SIG(3»
H2=HI +FULroL
H2 =FLOAT ( I F I X ( (H2+. 05) * 10. » I I O.
H3=H2-FULTOL
PR INT 7, HI
., FORA'IAf( I H ,"MINIMUM CALCULATED HEIGfHlI ,f8.3)
PRINT 8,H3
8 FORMAT()H ,"MINIMUM SPECIfIED HEIGHT ",F7.2)
PRINT 9,H2
';; fORMAT( I H ,"MAXIMUM SPECIFIED HfIGH[ II ,F6. I)
PI1INT,"TYPE I FOR NHI SIZE & MECH.PROPS.,OR 2 FOR NEI'i MECH.PROPS. ONLY"
REAI),INOI
IF(INDI.EQ.2) GO TO 5
GO TO 3
END
SUBROUrr NE NORM (R, NUTS, BUTS, 01, POI ,lJE, POE, RAD, BTHUTS, RA, 1'1,01 C, HTe, CSD, CSKA,
C SUBROUTI NE GENERATES NORMALLY 1..H SIR I BUTEO RANDO!vi NUMBERS VABILO'l)
DIMENSION R( 12,2)
REAL NUTS, BUTS, 01, POE, DE, RAD, B [HUTS, RA, ~·I
REAL M()2),SD(12),V( 12)
DO 11=1,12
M( I ) = ( R ( I , I ) +R ( I ,2 ) ) 12 .0
=(
SO ( I ) R( I ,2 )- R( I , I ) ) 16. 0
V(I)=DNORM2(RA,M(I),SO(I»
I CONTINUE
NUTS=V(I)
BUTS=V( 2)
C GENERATING A 10% VARIATION IN BOLT fHRfAD TO AVERAGE TENSILt. STRENGTH
C TO ACCOUNT fOR QUENCH NONUNlfORMITY (SEE REfEHENCE I)
SDB=O.03*BUTS
BTHUTS=ONORM2 (RA, BUTS, SOB)
DI=V(3)
C DEfERMINING MEAN VALuE OF UPPER 25% Of RANGE
DIMAX=DI*I.03
DI25=(DIMAX-DI)*.25
DIMfAN=(DIMAX+(OIMAX-OI25»/2.
DISD=WIMAX-(DIMAX-DI25) )/6.
PDI=V(4)
Df=V(S)
PUE=V(6)
J(.AD=V(7 )
~~=V( 8)
DIC=DNORM2(RA,DIMEAN,DISO)
JiTC=V( I 0)
CS[j)=V( II )
CSKA=V(12)
VARILC>T=V(9)
RETURN
END

DIAM AND PITCH?8.,1.25

NUT MINOR OIAM?6.8325,6.912

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T H R E A D E D ASSEMBLIES 1851

NUT PITCH DIAM?7.268,7.34d

BOLT MAJOR D.?7.76,7.8024

BOLT PITCH J I A M 7 7 . 0 4 2 , 7 . 0 7 1 5

ROOT R A D I U S A3 A FUNCTION O F P ? . 1 4 , . l b

rtI Jin AC ROSS FLATS71 2 . 73 ,1 2 . 78 2

CSK U I A . AS A FUNCTION OF NOMINAL D I A . , M I N / M A X 71.08,1.09

FULL TOLERANCE RANGE O F N U T HEIGHT 7 . 3 6

MIN & MAX L I M I T S O F : -

NUT T E N S I L L 7 6 0 0 . , 6 6 0

BOLT TENSILE?1057.,I 11 7.

PROOF LOU) IS THEN CALCULATED FOB KTNIMUH MATERIAL CONDITIONS OF THE height using equations I4, 5 and 6. Instead
HOT THKEAIB, HINIHDH WIDTH ACROSS FLATS AND HDtlHDH HEIGHT.
of using a Monte Carlo simulation to make a
complete statistical analysis, the solution
is based on use of the median value in the
range of restricted dimensional values and
mechanical properties. This approach is
slightly more conservative than the preferred
statistical solution, but is not as con-
servative as calculating the solution for all
properties in the most adverse condition.

For example, calculation of M10 Property

ULTIMATE HOT STRIPPING STRENGTH FROM EQUATION 6 .
Class 9 nut height, using median values from
HUT STRIP STRENGTH = 600 x 101-59 * -905 x I.OI46 x 0 . 6 N
= 3U621 H '
the simulation range of properties. (Nominal
MOLTIPLYING BY -98 TO ACCOUNT FOR DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRIPPING STRENGTH
Width Across Plats 1$ mm).
AND PROOF LOAD.

PROOF LOAD = 33-9

THIS CORRESPONDS TO A PROOF STRESS OF 926 HPa. SIZE RANGES OF SIMILAR STRESS
ARE TEEN GROUPED INTO FIXED STRESS RANGES.

APPENDIX C - Simplified Calculation

The intent is to permit the designer,

without access to an electronic computer, to
determine a reasonable approximation of nut
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1852 E. M. ALEXANDER

torque on the bolt tensile strength. Under

torqueing conditions bolt tensile strength
is reduced by a $% greater margin than the
stripping strength is reduced, this must be
accounted for in addition.
Reducing length of engagement until
strip load matches bolt break load, and also
including $% reduction for torque-tension
loading:-

Using an arbitrary length of engagement Adding the countersink height

LE = 10 mm (l x D) as a starting point for
the calculations. Therefore -

The tolerance must now be applied to

this height to get maximum and minimum values.
As median value corresponds to lower 30% of
tolerance range, 70% of full tolerance must
be added to determine maximum height.

Substituting into equations k> 5 and 6.

Bolt Breaking Load = 60908 N
Bolt Strip Load = 73553 IT It will be seen that this is slightly
Nut Strip Load = 6I4.90I N higher than the values arrived at by stat-
istical simulation. The result is conserv-
Both nut strip load and bolt strip load ative and the assembly will, therefore, have
are directly proportional to length of a lower probability of stripping than stat-
engagement, therefore, by reducing length of istically designed assemblies.
engagement the strip loads above will also
be directly reduced. It will be seen that Finally, a proof load can then be
the nut strip value is lower than the bolt calculated for the nut based on a hardened
strip value, therefore, length of engagement mandrel in accordance with ISO R898/H and
should be reduced until the lesser value the nut at minimum material strength and
matches the bolt break load. An additional minimum dimensional strength conditions.
consideration is the effect of applied (See paragraph £.0).