Bolt torque definition

[pegus]

Good day,

Assuming a regular pipe circular cap flange, if we apply a torque to produce a certain preload per bolt, does the overall load that is being exerted on the flange equals to the sum of each bolt preload? or is it just the preload of one bolt?

Thanks in advance,

P.P.

 

[hydtools]

If you keep adding bricks to an empty wheelbarrow, the total load weight is the sum of the the number of bricks times the weight of one brick.

Ted

 

[geesamand]

Assuming that each bolt has the same torque/preload, yes they add up. Depending on the way they are tightened, you may not get even torque across all bolts.

 

[rb1957]

I think you're over-thinking this. the total force is the sum of the preloads. Geesamand's point is that as you tighten bolts you affect the loads/joint compression in adjacent bolts; that's why you tighten in a pattern, and then do one last tightening over all bolts at the end (to verify all are holding the required torque).

another day in paradise, or is paradise one day closer ?