Tie Bolt ①

(a) Sketch a cross section of a main engine structure comprising bed

plait frames and entablature showing the bolt in position.
(b) Explain, why tie bolt need to be used in some large slow speed
engine.
(c) Explain in detail how the bolts are tensioned.

The long tie bolts are used on large slow speed engine to absorb
firing load down to the main bearing girders. To minimize bending stress
in the bed-plate and to achieve mechanical stability in the whole engine
assembly under running condition.
The tie bolts embrace the bed plate and cylinder block through the
column with correct tension, to assemble the engine structure under
compressive stress.
Two bolts are fitted on each transverse girder as close as

Recompiled by Min Zar Tar 27/06/2023 19:56:01

 Tie Bolt ②

possible to the shaft centerline. Pinching screws are provided to

restrained vibration of tie rods, like Violin Strings. Pinching screws are
also steadies by bushes or clamps to prevent vibration.
It needs to be checked for proper tension at regular interval and
also scavenge fire.

(c) Tensioning of the tie bolts

The tie bolts are tensioned by means of hydraulically tensioning
device. The tightening is done in pairs at a time starting from the middle of
the engine and working outwards alternately. If the tensioning is to be
checked the same procedure may be followed.
Tightening of tie boles should be done gradually, at stages after
slackening the thrust bolts on main bearing covers. If there is a necessary
of slackening or tightening an individual set of tie bolts at least partially, it
should be borne in mind that all tie bolts are to be uniformly tensioned at
all times.
If the load distribution is not uniform, the one which is tensioned
more initially will work under a severe condition of stress.
It is recommended that the hydraulic pressure is raised in two
stages, 350 bar in the first stage and 520 bar in second stage. For
extension of the rod makers recommended values should not be exceed.
Dial gauge used to detect relative movement between the tie
bolts and entablature and recorded before and after checking and
tightening for each tie bolts.

Recompiled by Min Zar Tar 27/06/2023 19:56:01