Coupling bolts

Elongation of a bar produces a related reduction in cross sectional area. A bar with the same elastic properties in all directions will have a constant relationship between axial strain and lateral strain. This is termed the Poissons Ratio and given by the symbol n. A bolt when tightened similarly causes a loss in area and diameter. In a clearance hole this is not a problem. With a fitted bolt however the positive contact or !fit! between the accurately machined bolt and reamed hole would be affected. "haft coupling bolts are tightened to force the faces of the flange together so the friction between the faces will provide some proportion of the drive. #owever fitted bolt shan$s are also designed to ta$e a proportion of the drive. A clearance bolt could provide the first re%uirement but not the second. A fitted bolt when tightened and sub&ect to reduction in cross section would also fail on the second count and probably be damaged by fretting. A tapered bolt may be used instead of a conventional coupling bolt to obtain a good fit and re%uired tightening. Taper fit bolt

Parallel shank fitted bolts have Interference fit in holes so that in the event of loss of frictional grip between flanges then each bolt will ta$e on e%ual share of the shear stress due to tor%ue transmission. Parallel bolts become slac$ after one or two refits. Therefore taper shan$ bolts have been used. An alternative is the sleeved coupling bolts.

The fit of the bolt is achieved by the tensioning of the taper shan$ bolt. "hould wear occur in the sleeve then this can be renewed reusing the rest of the assembly. Hydraulically fitted bolts.

The pilgrim or margrip hydraulic bolt uses the principal embodied by poissons ratio to provide a calculated and definite fitting force between bolt and hole. 'enter load rod fitted into hollow coupling bolt and hydraulic head fitted. #igh pressure oil pumped into head pushing down seal piston and rod .This action stretches the bolt ( within its elastic limit ) and reduces its diameter sufficiently for a sliding fit into the hole. *luid pressure is released allowing bolt to expand and tightly grip within the hole with a radial grip of about +.,- .g/mm+ . "imultaneously longitudinal contraction of the bolt having already fitted the nut hand tight exerts considerable compressive force which is about + 0/+ x greater than that which can be achieved by normal tor%ue tightening. #ydraulic head and loading rod now removed and a protective cap and seal screwed bac$ on Advantages Reduction in fitting and dismantling time bolts can be used repeatedly no replacements re%uired $nown loads applied