Huri, DávidChinedu, Kingsley2025-06-242025-06-242024-12-09https://hdl.handle.net/2437/394479The study of bolted connection stiffness has been a subject of interest since the early 1970s, which primarily focuses on axial and lateral stiffness. However, the moment stiffness of bolted connections, particularly in precision engineering applications like ball screw bearing support blocks, has not been thoroughly explored. This gap in knowledge often leads engineers to rely on rules-of-thumb or previous designs, which may not yield in the most efficient outcomes. In the fast-paced world of engineering design, there is a pressing need for analytical models that can rapidly inform and guide the development of high-performance machine elements. This thesis presents a comprehensive analytical model that addresses the axial stiffness of bolted connections. The model’s accuracy is validated through both numerical methods and experimental testing. This in turn enables a more informed selection process during the design phase, ultimately leading to improved machine performance and efficiency. This thesis aimed to show the growing difference in the different modelling techniques (Analytical and Numerical) in precision engineering, using the bolted joints of hydraulic cylinders. Analytical calculations have serveral limitations, as these calculations can rely on simplified assumptions (e.g. uniform load distribution, idealized boundary conditions, linear material behaviour, etc.) These assumptions could pose limitations, either overestimating or underestimating real-world conditions as seen in my thesis. The analytical calculations struggles with complex geometries (in my case an irregularly shaped cylinder cap and flange), and they more often than not require simplifications that could ignore key details of a geometry design. The analytical calculations assumed that all bolts experience identical loads, which is not realistic, as it overlooks issues like stress concentration and uneven forces. It often assumes linear material properties, ignoring factors like plastic deformation, creep or even, thermal expansion. Numerical Analysis on the other hand, takes into account all these details and provides us with a more accurate precise geometry calculation, that can greatly improve the field of engineering, picking up where the analytical modelling stops. Numerical modelling provides us with stress and deformation maps, bolt-by-bolt load distribution results, and key insights into areas prone to failure. This level of detailing allows engineers to focus attention on critical regions of the design not seen in the analytical modelling. Numeric modelling not only identifies problems but also serves as a “What If” factor for analysis to greatly improve designs.43enANSYSBolted jointsHydraulic cylinderBolted connectionMűszaki tudományok::GépészetHozzáférhető a 2022 decemberi felsőoktatási törvénymódosítás értelmében.