Modeling and Dynamic Response of Bolted‐Flange‐Joined Conical–Cylindrical Shells

ABSTRACT

This paper develops a dynamic model for bolted‐flange‐joined conical‐cylindrical shells (BFJCCSs). The bolted flange joint is characterized by a lump model, which accounts for the impact of flange dimensions. The discontinuous arc constraint model simulates the real pressure pattern around bolts. The shells are modeled by Donnell's shell theory, while the flange is modeled by the Euler‐Bernoulli beam theory. The motion equations are derived using the Lagrange equations and solved with the Newmark‐beta method. Modal and forced vibration tests are conducted on the BFJCCS, and the theoretical model is verified by comparing with experimental results. The present model avoids the need for an extra experiment to recharacterize joint parameters when the flange size or material is changed. The results indicate that the reduction in the bolt number decreases both the structural stiffness and damping, resulting in an increase in the resonance peak. Increasing the flange dimensions augments the stiffness of the BFJCCS, leading to a higher resonance frequency and a lower resonance peak. The position of the flange near the free end of the BFJCCS increases the resonance frequency, and its position close to the fixed end decreases the resonance peak. The above results provide theoretical guidance for the vibration prediction and structural design of BFJCCSs.