Joint Design 5
The clamping force created in the joint when the bolt is tightened stretches the bolt similar to a spring. A similar analysis can be made for the joint, except it is compressed like a spring during assembly. These springs act as energy storage devices. The clamping force will only remain as long as the bolts are
stretched. Any applied service load or condition, which relaxes the bolt or reduces the clamping force, will release some of the spring’s energy. This will increase the chances that the joint may loosen or that the
bolts may fail.
