Gasketed Bolted Joint Design Analysis Using a Spreadsheet-Finite Element Approach

Gasketed bolted joint analysis tools are gaining importance as the market place demands superior product performance, reduced cycle time, and lower cost. Design analysis tools can be used to predict product performance over the life of the joint. Numerous design concepts under a range of operating conditions can be simulated. The optimal designs can be determined before a prototype is manufactured and tested. The reduction in prototyping and testing results in cost savings and a reduction in design time. The customer is provided with a product with superior sealing performance at a lower cost.

This paper presents a design analysis technique which uses a non-linear finite element program in conjunction with a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet functions as a user friendly input and output interface to the finite element program. Parametric models are used to define the geometry of standard sealing system components that include gaskets, flanges, and fasteners. The meshing, application of loads, application of boundary conditions, modeling of fasteners, and the constitutive models of the materials are carried out in the background. Significant design analysis results are summarized in the spreadsheet. When this technique is used, the design engineer is able to focus on the selection of available materials and design options to achieve gasket design goals without being overwhelmed with analysis methods, procedures, and details.