The Effect of Normal Load on the Change in Geometrical Texture of Surfaces Forming a Multi-Bolted Connection

The stiffness of connections between machine elements depends on the geometry of the product and the condition of the material from which the joined elements are made. This stiffness is also influenced by the state of the surface geometrical texture and the technological parameters during the assembly process. This study examined whether, under normal load, there is a significant change in the geometrical state of the surfaces joined by a multi-bolted connection. It was shown that by properly performing the preloading process for such a connection, loss of the elastic properties of the jointed surfaces can be avoided. The 3D images of the surfaces of the joined elements obtained as a result of the measurements can be used to model multi-bolted connections in a systemic approach.