Research on intelligent assembly method of aero-engine deep-cavity nuts based on torque-angle control

The assembly quality of high-torque nuts in the deep cavity (95mm-diameter, 800mm-deep) of aero-engine low-pressure rotors directly determines engine operational reliability. Key technical challenges include meeting the 1900-2100 N m torque requirement, [Formula: see text] angular accuracy demand, and stable preload control under thermal-centrifugal coupling conditions. To address these issues, this study proposes an optimization method integrating fractal contact mechanics and multi-physics coupling, and develops a visual tightening system that combines visual monitoring with servo control. Utilizing the W-M (Weierstrass-Mandelbrot) fractal function and Hertz theory, the research reveals that a surface roughness of Ra=1.6 [Formula: see text]m limits the real contact area to 12%-18% of the nominal area. A thread stiffness model is established, with the calculated overall stiffness of [Formula: see text] N/mm showing a relative error of less than 1% compared to experimental results. ANSYS simulations quantify preload attenuation under thermal-centrifugal coupling conditions. The developed system achieves an angular positioning accuracy of [Formula: see text]. Experimental verification on 20 aero-engines test dummy shows that the developed system achieves an angular positioning accuracy of [Formula: see text], controls preload error within [Formula: see text] (relative to the 200 kN design preload), reduces single assembly time from 4 to 2.6 h (35% efficiency improvement), and effectively avoids part collisions during the assembly process. These results fully meet the high-reliability assembly requirements of aero-engines.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2026-03-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-41867-8
Primary Topic
Tribology and Lubrication Engineering
Type
article
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article

Research on intelligent assembly method of aero-engine deep-cavity nuts based on torque-angle control

Zheng Liu, Jianrong Tan
Scientific Reports
Tribology and Lubrication Engineering
article

Research on intelligent assembly method of aero-engine deep-cavity nuts based on torque-angle control

Zheng Liu, Jianrong Tan
article en

Abstract

The assembly quality of high-torque nuts in the deep cavity (95mm-diameter, 800mm-deep) of aero-engine low-pressure rotors directly determines engine operational reliability. Key technical challenges include meeting the 1900-2100 N m torque requirement, [Formula: see text] angular accuracy demand, and stable preload control under thermal-centrifugal coupling conditions. To address these issues, this study proposes an optimization method integrating fractal contact mechanics and multi-physics coupling, and develops a visual tightening system that combines visual monitoring with servo control. Utilizing the W-M (Weierstrass-Mandelbrot) fractal function and Hertz theory, the research reveals that a surface roughness of Ra=1.6 [Formula: see text]m limits the real contact area to 12%-18% of the nominal area. A thread stiffness model is established, with the calculated overall stiffness of [Formula: see text] N/mm showing a relative error of less than 1% compared to experimental results. ANSYS simulations quantify preload attenuation under thermal-centrifugal coupling conditions. The developed system achieves an angular positioning accuracy of [Formula: see text]. Experimental verification on 20 aero-engines test dummy shows that the developed system achieves an angular positioning accuracy of [Formula: see text], controls preload error within [Formula: see text] (relative to the 200 kN design preload), reduces single assembly time from 4 to 2.6 h (35% efficiency improvement), and effectively avoids part collisions during the assembly process. These results fully meet the high-reliability assembly requirements of aero-engines.

Scientific Reports
Zhejiang Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (CN), Zhejiang University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 39%
Tribology and Lubrication Engineering
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Research on intelligent assembly method of aero-engine deep-cavity nuts based on torque-angle control — Zheng Liu, Jianrong Tan · Scientific Reports (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS