On the Characteristics of Bolted Joints with Gaskets : Stress analysis of rectangular metallic flat gaskets interposed between two T-flanges

In this paper, discussion is made on a contact stress distribution of bolted joints in the case where a rectangular metallic flat gasket is interposed between two T-flanges. Replacing gasket and T-flanges by finite strips, the contact stress distribution is analyzed using two-dimensional theory of elasticity. By numerical computations, effects of the thickness and the stiffness of gaskets on the contact stress distribution are shown. Next, the force ratio of bolted joints with gaskets, which is the ratio of an increment of bolt axial force to a load, is analyzed. With an application of the load the bending moment is produced in bolts. By taking this bending moment into consideration, the maximum stress produced in the bolts is also analyzed. Experiments are performed to verify these analyses. Numerical results are in a fairly good agreement with experimental ones.