Force Transfer Behavior of Mechanically Fastened Structures in Light Weight Design

Light weight design gets more and more important regarding mass inertia of moved component systems. By this reason new products are using more and more light materials which exhibit an increased sensitivity due to force transmission in component contact zones. This paper gives an overview about related criteria when designing fastened component systems with transverse loading. Numeric stress analysis with FEA calculates a detailed stress distribution with significant inhomogeneities. The reasons for increased sensitivity of light materials get obvious. Often bolted joints are used to realize friction-based transverse force transmission – design criteria which become important in light weight design are shown (e.g. self loosening). Forces can also be transmitted in axial direction; an example is proposed with an effective mechanical fastening system of long composite components without adhesives. Finally, conclusions for future engineering design are drawn.