2. Determining stiffness

In the first part of this dossier, we assimilated bolts and parts to springs, i.e. we considered, a priori, that the axial stiffnesses of the different elements of the assembly were characteristic constants of the element considered.

This simple modeling has enabled us to analyze the specific behavior of a prestressed connection - essential knowledge for an engineer designing mechanical connections.

We have also shown that, in order to calculate the screw's static strength and especially its fatigue strength, the various stiffness parameters need to be accurately evaluated.

This knowledge is also essential for the correct modeling of angled screwing (see [BM 5 566] ).