AI assistant recommends the optimal tightening torque

Bolted connections are one of the most frequently used connecting elements. Flexible application possibilities, cost-effective assembly as well as releasability and elasticity are among the advantages of the bolted connection. With the help of digital solutions using AI methods, the calculation of these connections can be carried out more efficiently, effectively, and with high safety. This is because AI can provide the designer with detailed suggestions even before the calculation process.

The System of Bolted Joints in VDI 2230

The preloaded bolted joint represents an indeterminate system that can only be captured by considering deformations, stiffness, and the location of force application. This is realized in VDI 2230 by means of a spring model, the tightening factor, and the load introduction factor. For the interpretation of the results, a graphical processing in the stress diagram is suggested.

The application of VDI 2230 requires knowledge and experience

The current calculation of bolted joints according to VDI 2230 requires the designer to consider a multitude of influences and their mutual interactions, which demands extensive knowledge and experience. The complexity in applying the guideline should not be underestimated, as the person performing the calculation must thoroughly deal with the input variables (loads, materials, load introduction factor).

AI provides recommendations based on extensive calculation data

By incorporating digital solutions based on AI network methods, the user can retrieve recommendations based on an extensive data set at an early stage of the design process. AI can assist in determining an optimal clamping state by suggesting the optimal tightening torque during the design phase based on utilizing the yield point during tightening.

The recommendation proposed by the AI is based on a comprehensive collection of strength calculations according to VDI 2230 sheet 1, which, after determining the appropriate value ranges and variance of the influencing factors, selects the relevant calculations with a balanced clamping state in a filtering process. Based on this selected data collection, the AI can suggest solutions for the optimal stress state with very high accuracy. These solutions meet all five safety requirements:

• Safety against exceeding the yield point (screw)
• Safety against fatigue failure (screw)
• Safety against exceeding the surface pressure (plate)
• Safety against gap formation
• Safety against sliding

Conclusion

Currently, the calculation of bolted joints according to VDI 2230 is mostly done in a linear process, where the designer inputs variables, performs the calculation, and interprets the result. If the result is not satisfactory, variables need to be adjusted and the process starts over with a new iteration loop.

AI solutions can support this process by breaking the linear process. Since they have access to data from millions of calculated scenarios, they can predict the result in seconds and suggest optimal variables (such as the optimal clamping state) at the input stage. AI applications can save time in the design process, increase the safety of the construction, and assist in the calculation of machine elements, without requiring extensive knowledge of the relevant guidelines from the user. Therefore, in the future, there will be more market-ready applications to help designers and engineers in their tasks.