Fastener + Fixing Technology

Self-loosening of
threaded fasteners By Dr. Bill Eccles, Bolt Science
www.boltscience.com

Here Bill Eccles, Bolt Science, looks into the causes of

self-loosening of threaded fasteners and what steps
can be taken to help prevent loosening.

P
Introduction When two surfaces come into contact Junker’s theory of
ractically every engineering with each other, asperities on each self-loosening of fasteners
product with any degree of surface sustain the bearing load. Gerhard Junker in 1969 published a
complexity uses threaded Because the actual contact area can be technical paper (‘New criteria for self-
fasteners. A key advantage of substantially less than the apparent area, loosening of fasteners under vibration’
threaded fasteners over the very high localised stresses are sustained SAE Paper 690055, 1969) giving results
majority of other joining methods is that by the asperities that, even under of test work that he had completed to
they can be dis-assembled and re-used. moderate loading, are greater than the support his theory as to why threaded
This feature is often the reason why yield strength of the material. fasteners self loosen. His key finding
threaded fasteners are used in preference was that preloaded fasteners loosen as
to other joining methods and they often
a result of rotation as soon as relative
play a vital role in maintaining a product’s
motion occurs between the mating
structural integrity. However, they are
threads and between the bearing
also a significant source of problems in
surfaces of the fastener and the clamped
machinery and other assemblies. The
reasons for such problems are due, in material. Junker found that transverse
part, to them unintentionally self-loosening. dynamic loads generate a far more
Such self-loosening has been a severe condition for self-loosening than
problem since the start of the industrial dynamic axial loads. The reason for this
revolution and for the last 150 years is that radial movement under axial loads
inventors have been devising ways in is significantly smaller than that which is
which it can be prevented. Many of sustained under transverse loading.
the common types of locking methods
for threaded fasteners were invented
over 100 years ago, however it is
only relatively recently that the main Magnified surface showing asperity contact
mechanism that is considered to cause
self loosening has become understood.
This leads to the surface partially
There are a number of mechanisms
that can result in a threaded fastener collapsing following the completion of
coming loose; these can be classified as the tightening operation. This collapse is
rotational and non-rotational loosening. typically referred to as embedding. The
amount of the clamp force that is lost
Transverse movement of a bolted joint
Rotational and due to embedding depends upon the
non-rotational loosening bolt and joint stiffness, the number of
Junker showed that preloaded
In the vast majority of applications, interfaces present within the joint, the
fasteners self-loosen when relative
threaded fasteners are tightened so that a surface roughness and the bearing stress
movement occurs between the mating
preload is imparted into a joint. Loosening being applied. Under moderate surface
can be defined as a subsequent loss of threads and the fastener bearing surface.
stress conditions, the initial collapse
preload following the completion of the Such relative movement will occur when
results in typically around 1% to 5% of
tightening process. This can occur by one the transverse force acting on the joint
the clamp force being lost within the
of two means. Rotational loosening, more is larger than the frictional resisting force
first couple of seconds of the joint being
commonly referred to as self-loosening, generated by the bolt’s preload. For small
tightened. When the joint is subsequently
is when the fastener rotates under the transverse displacements, relative motion
dynamically loaded by applied forces, a can occur between the thread flanks and
action of external loading. Non-rotational
further reduction occurs due the pressure the bearing area contact surface. Once
loosening is when no relative movement
occurs between the internal and external changes that take place on the joint interfaces. the thread clearances are overcome the
threads but a preload loss occurs. Loosening as a result of embedding bolt will be subject to bending forces,
loss is problematic on joints that and if the transverse slippage continues
Fasteners coming loose due comprise several thin joint surfaces slippage of the bolt head bearing surface
to non-rotational loosening and a small bolt grip length. If the will occur. Once this is initiated the thread
Non-rotational loosening can occur as surface bearing stress is kept below the and the bolt head will be momentarily
a result of deformation of the fastener compressive yield strength of the joint free from friction. The internal off torque,
itself, or the joint, following assembly. material, the amount of embedding loss present as a result of the preload acting on
This can occur as a result of a partial is calculable and the joint can be designed the thread helix angle, generates a relate
plastic collapse of these interfaces. so as to compensate for this loss. rotation between the nut and the bolt.

22 Issue 2 July 2011 • www.fastfixtechnology.com

Under repeated transverse movements fasteners is ensuring that the preload
this mechanism can completely loosen is sufficient to hold the parts securely
fasteners. together when variations in frictional
To investigate the causes of loosening, conditions are included. The diagram
Junker developed a test machine, the so- shows the effect that frictional variations
called ‘Junker machine’ that will quantify will have on bolt preload.
the effectiveness of the loosening Typically, the tightening specification
resistance of a fastener design. includes a torque range so that the
joint can be economically assembled.
When account is taken of this and also
that a prevailing torque (with maximum
Placing a helical spring washer under and minimum limits) may be present, a
the bolt head has been shown on some graph can be produced which shows the
tests to speed up the loosening, others variation in preload that results from the
show that the use of such washers assembly specification.
Junker fastener test machine give a similar performance to using a
Roller bearings are used to eliminate bolt without any locking device. Many
the effects of friction between moving large OEM manufacturers are aware of
and fixed plates. A load cell allows these findings and no longer specify
continuous monitoring of the bolt load such washers in their internal standards.
as transverse motion is applied from a However, judging by the continued use
moving plate that the nut is clamped of these washers, many organisations do
onto. This is a major advantage over not seem to be aware of these findings.
the shock test standard in that the loss Many of the locking devices used on
of preload can be measured during threaded fasteners are either based upon
the test and a graph of preload verses preventing relative thread movement
cycles plotted. The idea behind the between the bolt and nut threads (such
Junker machine is that a transverse as with nylon insert nuts) or relative
movement of the nut to the joint (such as The effect of friction on bolt preload
displacement generated by a cam
results in a rocking action in the fastener. with the various types of ‘lock’ washers). Designing the joint on the basis of the
Overcoming the friction grip of the However, Junker and other later researchers minimum anticipated preload generated
fastener creates a self-loosening action. all point to the importance of preventing by the bolt would eliminate any risk of
transverse joint movement. A bolted loosening, designing using the mean
joint, properly designed so that the value of preload would result in the
clamp force from the bolts is sufficient to potential of a number of bolts loosening if
prevent transverse movement by friction no ‘safety factor’ was applied. Allowance
grip between the joint plates, will not also needs be made for the loss of
come loose. At the design stage this can preload from embedding, this occurs in
be achieved by selecting the fastener the threads and under the bolt head and
size and strength so that the preload can nut face as the contact surfaces settle.
create sufficient friction grip to prevent To maintain a limit on the amount of
the external loads causing the joint to move. embedding it needs to be ensured that
the bearing stress under the nut face,
Conclusions from the research bolt head and within the joint, are kept
The most widely accepted cause of within the maximum permissible bearing
threaded fasteners self loosening is not stress for the material being clamped.
so much vibration but joint movement, In cases when joint movement cannot be
in particular, transverse slip of the bolt prevented, in cases of thermal expansion for
threads and bearing surfaces. If sufficient example, then a locking device of proven
Section through Junker test machine preload can be achieved from the bolts ability should be specified.
to prevent joint movement, no locking
Junker vibration test device will be required, as friction will
loosening curves hold the parts together. The major Prior to forming his company,
A test like the Junker test (test details problem of designing with threaded Bolt Science in 1992, Bill’s
in the specification DIN 65151), allows original background was
the performance of various fastener in design engineering. The
designs to be compared in terms of company is a provider of
their resistance to self-loosening. Over independent technical expertise
the last twenty years a significant
in bolted joint technology. He
amount of work has been completed
investigating existing fastener designs
is a chartered engineer and has
to allow comparisons to be made as to a Doctorate in Engineering on
their resistance to vibration loosening. the self-loosening of threaded
To make a valid comparison it is vital fasteners. Bill has delivered
that the same vibration amplitude is training courses around the
used, since this has a major influence world on the analysis of bolted
on the results. A typical test result is The key to preventing self loosening
is to provide sufficient bolt load joints and bolting technology.
shown here for helical spring washers.

23
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98811
877
171898798 1
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Background to Self-Loosening of Threaded Fasteners

The program will assist in preventing self-loosening by

providing information to allow the joint to be engineered
such that the causes of self-loosening will not arise.

Some preload loss will occur as a result of relaxation

loss. On metal to metal joints, most of the relaxation is
due to embedding. Embedding is collapse of the surface
asperities within the joint and on the contact surfaces of
the nut and bolt. The program will establish what is the
magnitude of such losses.
The example that follows
shows how the
Modern joint design is based upon stopping transverse
BOLTCALC program can
joint movement from occurring after allowing for the
be used to resolve a self-
effects of relaxation. The program can assist in this by
loosening problem without
establishing the preload and joint conditions necessary
the need for a locking
for this principle to be achieved.
device.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Example of the
BOLTCALC Program
used to resolve
a bolt self-loosening
problem

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Details of the Joint

A driveshaft is secured to a gearbox
on a commercial vehicle by the use of
ten M12 property class 8.8 bolts and
nuts. Several customers have
reported loosening of the fasteners.
This is based on finding that
nuts/bolts missing during regular
maintenance and in a couple of
cases, the drive shaft becoming
detached during service operation.

There have also been cases that

even after checking the specified
tightening torque of 80 Nm
immediately after assembly,
subsequent checks a few weeks later
have found the nuts to be almost
loose.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

A Friction Grip Joint

The torque transmitted by the
shaft is carried through the two
flanges of the coupling by
friction grip. Essentially, the
clamp force provided by the
bolts generates friction
between the two flanges so
that the torque is transmitted.
The bolts themselves do not
carry any significant shear
force. This approach allows
clearance holes to be used
with the associated reduction
in manufacturing costs.
The clearance hole diameter used in the flanges is 13 mm. It is required to
establish the likely root cause of the problem and what steps can be taken to
resolve the problem.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

The Loading on the Joint

The driveshaft transmits a torque of 7000 Nm in primarily a clockwise direction but

also, on occasion, in a anti-clockwise direction. The joint also sustains a thrust/pull
due potentially to the splines locking up as the vehicle suspension moves. Based
upon experimental work, this pull/thrust is determined to be up to 25 kN. Based upon
the coupling loading, it can be determined that each region arounds the bolt sustains
a shear force of 7000 N and an axial loading of 2500 N.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

A certain amount of data

gathering is required before Entering information into BOLTCALC
the details can be entered
into the program. In this
case it was previously
determined that the
coefficient of friction
between the two flanges is
0.25.

Based upon the forces

previously determined, this
data can be entered into
the program. From the
program's main screen,
select the menu item
'Analysis Type' and 'Joint
Analysis' and the screen
shown below appears.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

To enter the shear force

information, click on the
button marked 'Additional
Assistance on Shear Force
Determination' and the
window shown appears.

Enter 0.25 for the

coefficient of friction and
7000 N for the shear force
and press the Calculate
button. The 28000 N shown
is the minimum clamp force
required to be provided by
the bolt to prevent slip.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

After click the OK button,

click on the Bolt Details
tab on the Joint Analysis
Entry Form. The screen
shown is revealed.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

Click on the button

marked 'Select Thread
Size from a Database'
and the window shown is
revealed. Scroll down so
that the thread size
'M12x1.75' Coarse
Thread is selected and
then press the OK
button.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

The information
regarding the bolt thread
size is transferred from
the thread database and
recorded on the Bolt
Details Form. The Bolt
Clamp Length for this
joint is 40 mm. This is
entered as the clamped
length as shown in the
image:

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

Click on the
Property Details
Tab and the
screen shown is
presented.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

To enter details of the

bolt strength used,
click on the button
marked 'Consult the
Fastener Material
Database' and the
screen shown is
presented. Select 8.8
as the property class
and then press the OK
button.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

The information
from the Fastener
database is then
transferred onto the
form, as shown.

The default values

presented by the
program will be
accepted.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

Select the Joint

Details tab and the
screen shown is
presented. In this
example, all the
default values
presented by the
program will be
accepted.

Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem

 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

Select the Tightening

Details Tab and the
screen shown below is
presented. The
Tightening Factor is a
measure of how much
scatter there will be in
the bolt preload.

The default value used

by the program of 1.6 is
typical of torque
tightening. The default
value for the friction in
the threads and under
the nut face of 0.12 will
be used in this example.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Entering information into BOLTCALC

The tightening torque used in this application is 80 Nm. To enter this value into
the program - click on the radio button marked 'Tightening Torque' in the Bolt
Tightening Condition section and the form shown appears:

Click the OK button on this form. All the essential data has been entered into the
program. Press the 'Calculate' button and a joint analysis will be performed by the
program.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Results of the BOLTCALC Joint Analysis

The results of the analysis can be summarised by the Preload Requirement Chart.
This is presented below for this joint.

To view the chart, select the menu option, View, followed by Preload Requirement
Chart.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Results of the BOLTCALC Joint Analysis

Essentially, a Preload
Requirement Chart looks at the
forces acting on the joint
interface. The red area is the
anticipated variation that will
occur in the bolt preload. The
green area on the right of the
chart is the clamp force loss due
to embedding. Embedding is a
form of relaxation and is the
collapse of the surface asperities
of the clamped surfaces.

The yellow area is the axial force reducing the clamp force. In this joint it is the
result of the force trying to pull the joint apart. The large blue area is the clamp
force needed to prevent the joint slipping. Add these component forces together
and you get the grey area which is the total preload requirement.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Results of the BOLTCALC Joint Analysis

Since there is an overlap between the grey and red areas, it indicates that
potentially the joint will slip. Joint slip is the primary mechanism that threaded
fasteners self-loosen. It is likely that the preload being insufficient is the root cause
of the loosening problems being experienced.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Solving the Self-Loosening Problem using BOLTCALC

Essentially, the options available to resolve this problem is to either increase the bolt
preload or decrease the forces acting. Increasing the bolt preload can be completed
by increasing the size of the bolt or its strength, decreasing the forces acting on an
individual bolt region can be achieved by increasing the number of bolts.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Solving the Self-Loosening Problem using BOLTCALC

Using a locking device that works may prevent the self-loosening problem, in part.
Since the joint movement is still likely to occur what will happen is that the bolt will
experience some bending. Repeated many times there is a likelihood that the bolts
will fail by bending fatigue. This, together with self-loosening, are the common modes
of failure when joint slip occurs.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Solving the Self-Loosening Problem using BOLTCALC

The easiest solution to implement is to increase the strength of the bolt and increase
the tightening torque so that the increased strength is utilised. Checking if this is a
feasible solution by changing the bolt strength to property class 10.9 and increasing
the tightening torque to 110 Nm. The Preload Requirement Chart shown is the result.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Solving the Self-Loosening Problem using BOLTCALC

As can be seen there is a gap now between the total preload requirement and the
minimum preload value indicating that the joint will no longer slip. Engineering
judgement comes in when deciding whether the gap between the values is sufficient
in this application or whether other measures/changes are needed.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem
 BOLTCALC © 2016 Bolt Science

Solving the Self-Loosening Problem using BOLTCALC

A results summary sheet can be created by the program presenting the key results.
The excessive surface pressure could be resolved by the use of washers.
Examples in the use of the Program Self-Loosening Problem