Strength analysis for pre-stressed bolted joints of turntable bearings

This paper describes a calculation model for pre-stressed bolted joints used to connect turntable bearing to the flanges. A traditional pre-stressed bolted joint calculation model is described and its insufficiencies for the direct application on turntable bearings are pointed out. The suggested stress analysis is done by modeling the most loaded single bolt segment of the turntable bearing assembly, applying the preload and the working load on it. The alternating stress in the bolt is done by finite element analysis. The results show that the alternating load of the bolt is significantly decreased and is lower than the fatigue limit of the bolt under the condition of the larger tightening force. Therefore, it should be possible to increase the preload in the conditions that the maximum stress of bolt is below its yield limit stress situation.