A total of 245 kip force is applied to a set of 10 similar bolts. If the spring constant of each bolt is 0.4 Mlb/in and that of members is 1.6 Mlbf/in. What is the net force in every bolt (Fb) if a preload equal to 40 kip was applied to the bolts?

The net force in every bolt is 44.9 kip

Explanation:

Given that;

External load applied = 245 kip

number of bolts n = 10

External Load shared by each bolt (P_E) = 245/10 = 24.5 kip

spring constant of the bolt Kb = 0.4 Mlb/in

spring constant of members Kc = 1.6 Mlb/in

combined stiffness factor C = Kb / (kb+kc) = 0.4 / ( 0.4 + 1.6)  = 0.4 / 2 = 0.2 Mlb/in

Initial pre load Pi = 40 kip

now for Bolts; both pre load Pi and external load P_E are tensile in nature, therefore we add both of them

External Load on each bolt P_Eb = C × PE = 0.2 × 24.5 = 4.9 kip

So Total net Force on each bolt Fb = P_Eb + Pi

Fb = 4.9 kip + 40 kip

Fb = 44.9 kip

Therefore the net force in every bolt is 44.9 kip