Calculation of "Nut Factor", K

Experimental Determination of Friction Coefficients

Just as tabulated values of K are not reliable for application with any assurance of
predictable results for a given bolt / nut assembly it is equally true that friction
coefficients determined experimentally must be used for comparison purposes and
supplemented by torque-angle assembly monitoring to assure proper assembly
clamp forces.

The German Norm , DIN 946, provides a practical standard method of evaluation
of friction coefficients on screw threads and underhead bearing surfaces. Fastener
laboratory testing machines are available for determination of friction coefficients
according to DIN 946.

Torque-Tension Coefficient / Nut Factor: K

The basic equation, T= K d F, can be applied to the linear-elastic-clamping zone of

the assembly tightening process . The prevailing torque during initial run-down
must be subtracted from the total applied torque, a procedure which is usually
accurate for all practical purposes. If insufficient torque is applied to tighten beyond
the alignment zone the tension estimated for a given assembly will be still be
correctly predicted if the overall "K" factor has been accurately guessed.

There are published tables of "K" factors for various combinations of materials,
surface finishes, plating, coatings and lubricants. However, actual experience has
shown that it is highly unreliable to assume that any given "K" value applies to a
specific fastener being assembled. The importance of the torque-angle approach to
assembly cannot be overemphasized when you are responsible for the safety and
reliability of critical bolted assemblies. It is not uncommon to see variations in
friction coefficients of 2:1 or more as the same fastener is repeatedly tightened and
loosened. The most practical way to minimize the variation in clamp force for
bolted assemblies is to use both torque and angle of turn in your assembly
process.

The factor K, often called to as the "nut factor", can be expressed as a combination
of three factors:

K1 ( a geometric factor, function of dameter, d and Pitch, P)

K2 ( a thread friction factor, function of Mue_G and pitch dia., d_2)

K3 ( a bearing friction factor, function of Mue_K and D_Km)

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 Thread /Underhead Friction Coefficient Measurements

In the development of threaded fastener materials, surface finishes, plating,

coatings and thread locking adhesives it is necessary to measure and control the
friction coefficients on both the threads and underhead regions of the fasteners.

A Torque-Tension Research Head, as illustrated in Figure __, is a special load cell

constructed to simultaneously measure both thread torque (pitch torque + thread
friction torque) in addition to the tension created as the tightening torque is applied.
Special devices such as locknuts, serrated underheads and thread locking
adhesives and friction patches can be tested and friction performance standards
can be established and maintained through measurements made with the Torque-
Tension Research Heads. The Research Head has the capability to fully test for
friction coefficients according to DIN 946 .

The average coefficient of friction, Mue_ges,, can be roughly estimated by

measuring the change in length of a screw or bolt after application of a given
tightening torque. This method can only be applied if there is no yield occurring in
the bolt, threads or elsewhere in the joint.

The formula for calculation of the nut factor, K is as follows:

T = K d F : Simplified torque / tension equation

K= (1/d) x [0,159*P + 0,578*d_2*Mue_G) + (D_Km/2)*Mue_K]

d: nominal diameter of the bolt

P: Thread Pitch

d_2: Pitch diameter

D_Km: Mean bearing diameter / underhead

Mue_G: Thread friction coefficient

Mue_K: Underhead friction coefficient

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