Analysis of the impact of temperature load on the state of stress in a bolted flange connection

Modelling and calculations of a bolted flange connection located under elevated temperature conditions are presented. Analysis of forces acting on the bolt and the joined elements on the basis of analytical formulas and using the finite element method (FEM) is performed. In the case of theoretical calculations the recommendations given in books on the fundamentals of machine design are applied. For a case of numerical calculations a simplified model of the bolt is used. The obtained results of calculations are checked in terms of fulfilment of the adopted strength criterion associated with acceptable thermal stress in the bolt. Selected results of simulation studies of the connection FEM-model in the form of temperature distribution in the model are shown. On the basis of the comparison of the theoretical and numerical analyses results, the usefulness of the simplified bolt model for calculations of forces in the bolts in flange connections under elevated temperature conditions is determined.