Sensitivity analysis of the conical-shaped equivalent model of a bolted joint

In this paper the conical-shaped equivalent model for a bolted joint is considered. In particular the governing equations for this model are made non-dimensional for the purposes of conducting sensitivity analysis. From this work, a plot of the dimensionless spring-rate of the clamped material is generated for all reasonable designs for which the conical-shaped equivalent model applies. The sensitivity analysis is then used to discuss the relative importance of estimating the proper model and design parameters and a maximum percent of uncertainty in the spring-rate calculation is also presented. It is shown in this discussion that the calculations are quite sensitive to a proper estimation of the cone angle (a model parameter) and that uncertainty within this calculation can range from 5 to 20%.