Simplified modeling strategies for eigenfrequency analysis of bolted joint assemblies using ABAQUS/CAE

Bolted joint components have a major impact on the dynamic behavior of structural systems. They exhibit various uncertainties associated with joint materials, contact conditions, geometric parameters, clamping forces, the chosen pressure distribution, etc. Consequently, predicting the structural dynamic behavior of such components employing numerical models such as finite element (FE) method is an extremely challenging issue. Especially in large multi body systems the trade-off between an affordable computational budget and the correct modeling of physical effects is difficult, offering either one or the other as the only available options. This paper focuses on the implementation of new modeling strategies for bolted joint connections in ABAQUS/CAE that allow for the input of tailored analytical approaches, while keeping computational costs at a reasonable level. Various modeling strategies are introduced and tested on a simple bolted joint assembly. The results are then compared to existing models and experimental results.