Effect of Coating and Lubrication on the Vibration-Induced Loosening of Threaded Fasteners
This study provides an experimental and theoretical investigation of the effect of the bearing friction coefficient and the thread friction on the self-loosening of threaded fasteners that are subjected to cyclic transverse service loads. Coating and lubrication affect the thread and the underhead friction of the fastener, which affects the loosening rate when it is subjected to transverse loads. A mathematical model was developed to evaluate the self-loosening behavior in threaded fasteners when subjected to cyclic transverse loads. An experimental procedure and test set up are designed in order to collect real-time data on the rate of preload loss per cycle as well as the rotational angle of the bolt head during its gradual loosening. The values of the coefficients of friction under the bolt head and between the threads were changed in the mathematical model to monitor their effect on the loosening rate. Experimentally, the friction coefficients are modified by changing the coating or the lubrication applied to the fasteners. One coating and one solid film lubricant are used, namely, phosphate and oil coating and Olefin and Molydisulfide lubricated bolts. The theoretical and experimental results are presented and discussed.