A methodology for predicting high impact shock propagation within bolted-joint structures

• Shock propagation across bolted joints under high impact loads using two-stage gas gun is studied.
• The behavior of bolted joint under three different tightening torque levels was studied.
• A combined Lagrangian/SPH approach for simulating the experiment was developed.
• The simulation and experimental results were compared.
• This work shows that the simulation and experimental results are in good quantitative agreement.

The development of accurate and efficient numerical methodology for predicting shock propagation in bolted-joint structures is an important problem. Bolted joints have multiple nonlinearities such as friction, contact stiffness, and impact loading. Joint models are typically complex and computationally expensive. These problems become even more challenging when the bolted joint is experiencing high impact shock. This paper examines the issues associated with developing an accurate model for shock propagation within bolted joint structures. A combined Lagrangian-SPH (Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics) approach is used to develop a finite element simulation that can capture both the physical damage of the structure as well as the shock propagation across the bolted joint. This modeling approach is shown to produce favorable results when compared with experimental data from ballistic impact testing of bolted joint structures with a two-stage light gas gun.