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The following is a detailed introduction to the core functions of the Thread Designer software, including the process of parametric generation of precise finite element models for bolts in different modes:
Core function: Generate precise finite element model for bolt
The main function of the Thread Designer software is to generate precise finite element models for various bolts (INP format, applicable to Abaqus and Hypermesh software).
1) Select working mode
Thread Designer provides two working modes, standard mode and expert mode, to meet the needs of different users:
- Ordinary mode: Suitable for users who do not require high levels of model customization or for new users who are unfamiliar with complex parameters. In this mode, fewer parameters are required, and the knowledge level of the user is relatively lower.
- Expert Mode: Suitable for users with some professional knowledge. The model is highly customizable. In this mode, users need to input more parameters to precisely configure the bolt model.
2) Enter design interface
After selecting the appropriate thread type, click on that type to enter the parameterized generation interface for the precise finite element model of the bolt.
3) Input parameters (detailed comments see Section 5.2)
In the design interface, you need to input various parameters to precisely configure the bolt model. These parameters include bolt parameters, nut parameters, bolt head parameters, and transition layer parameters.
- Bolt parameters: include nominal diameter, pitch, thread type, drawn pitch, shank length, thread direction, etc.
Nut parameters: include drawn pitch, end length, number of threads, and number of thread layers.
- Bolt head parameters: include bolt head type, thickness, end-to-end length, bolt head number of layers, transition type, etc.
- Transition layer parameters: include configuration of bolt transition layer and nut transition layer, support different types of transition layers.
4) Parameter Check
After completing the parameter input, click the 'Parameter Check' button. The software will automatically check the validity of the input parameter configuration and provide an estimated number of mesh nodes for the bolt and nut.
5) Create Model
If the check is passed and the mesh count meets the user's requirements, you can click the "Create" button, select the output folder, and complete the model generation.
This process generates an accurate finite element model file (typically in INP format), and also generates an XML file to store configuration parameters. This model file can be used in finite element analysis software such as Abaqus and Hypermesh.
Please note that special parameters such as transition layer settings require adjustment only under trained or professional supervision to ensure successful model generation. Understanding the software's advanced features can help users configure models more flexibly.
When input parameters are used to generate precise finite element models for bolts, it is necessary to clearly describe the meaning and input method of each parameter. The following is a detailed description of each parameter, including the content you mentioned:
bolt parameters:
Nominal Diameter:
Standard Diameter of Bolt, Usually Expressed in Millimeters or Inches
Pitch (Pitch):
The distance between adjacent threads, usually expressed in millimeters or inches.
Thread Type:
Select thread type, including full thread and half thread.
Draw thread pitch (Thread Length):
Thread drawing length on bolt, expressed in millimeters.
Shank Length (Shank Length):
Length of the shank part of the bolt, expressed in millimeters.
Thread Direction:
Specify thread direction, typically left-hand or right-hand.
Number of thread layers (Thread Layers):
The number of layers in the bolt thread profile affects the mesh density in the thread area.
Number of shank layers (Shank Layers):
Number of layers in the shank section, affecting the mesh density in the shank area.
Circumferential divisions (Circumferential Divisions):
The number of outer mesh elements in the circumferential direction for the bolt bottom surface.
Pitch Divisions:
The number of outer mesh layers in the bolt profile within one pitch in the radial direction.
Transitional Pitch:
Refers to the Pitch of the Thread Transition Section, Engineering Known as the Lead-Out Slot
Tolerance:
Specify Tolerance for Bolt Parameters, Usually Expressed as a Percentage
nut parameters:
Draw thread pitch (Thread Length):
The thread drawing length of the nut, expressed in millimeters, must be an integer multiple of the pitch.
Across Flats Length:
Distance between parallel sides of the outer hexagon of the nut, usually expressed in millimeters.
Number of thread layers (Thread Layers):
Number of layers in the nut thread section, typically consistent with the bolt.
Pitch Divisions:
The number of outer mesh layers in the nut profile within one pitch in the radial direction.
Circumferential divisions (Circumferential Divisions):
The number of outer mesh elements in the circumferential direction for the nut bottom surface.
Thread factor (Thread Factor):
It is related to the width of the dense mesh in the threaded area. Usually, the default parameter is maintained. If there are problems with the dense mesh in the threaded area after the model is generated or the width dimension is too small, the parameter can be adjusted.
Bearing diameter (Bearing Diameter):
The equivalent diameter of the contact surface of the nut, typically consistent with the contact surface diameter of the bolt head, shall not exceed the distance between opposite edges. It can be calculated by formula or referenced from mechanical design handbooks. If the outer transition mesh size of the nut is too small, this parameter can be increased to adjust, which does not affect the actual structure, but the maximum value shall not exceed the distance between opposite edges.
Transitional Layers:
The number of layers in the transition region from dense mesh to hexahedral mesh for the nut, typically kept at the default value.
Bolt Head Parameters:
Bolt head type (Head Type):
Select bolt head type, such as hex head. If a round head is needed, simply delete the hexagonal mesh directly.
Thickness:
The thickness of the bolt head, in millimeters.
Across Flats Length:
Distance between parallel sides of the bolt head outer hexagon
Number of head layers for bolt head:
Number of layers in the thickness direction of the bolt head
Transitional type (Transitional Type):
Specify the type of transitional layers between the dense mesh inside the bolt head and the sparse mesh outside.
Number of Transitional Layers:
Configure the number of layers in the transition region between the dense mesh inside the bolt head and the sparse mesh outside.
Bearing diameter (Bearing Diameter):
The equivalent diameter of the bolt head contact surface can be calculated using a formula, obtained from relevant standards, or referenced in a mechanical design handbook. Unlike the diameter of the nut contact surface, the equivalent diameter of the bolt head contact surface is not allowed to be arbitrarily modified. This parameter has a significant effect on the stress area of the bolt head contact surface.
Transition Layer Parameters:
Configuration of bolt transition layers and nut transition layers supports 3-6 transition layers, and supports multiple transition layer types, including S42, S31, B42, B31.
Transition layer settings affect whether the model can be generated. Keep the default settings unless you have been trained to change them. Section 6, Advanced Features, explains the transition layer options in detail.
After completing the parameter input, click the 'Parameter Check' button to verify whether the input parameter configuration can successfully generate the model, and provide an estimated number of bolt mesh and nut mesh. If the check passes and the mesh count meets the user's requirements, click the 'Create' button to select the output folder and complete the model output.
By correctly entering these parameters, you can generate an accurate finite element model of a bolt that conforms to specifications for subsequent finite element analysis. In expert mode, users need to have a certain level of expertise to ensure the accuracy of parameter configuration and the quality of the model.
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