Abstract
The effect of various plate thicknesses on the load and stress distribution in cylindrical bolted joints was investigated using the finite element method. Results show that the load, and the stress and pressure distribution under bolt-head or nut are not constant or uniform; for all thickness ratios of the two joined plates, a constant load and stress were measured across the joint under the bolt-head end. The maximum stress on the surface and up to the midplane level increased with the thickness ratio; however, the maximum interface stress decreased with this ratio. The loading on the surface or at the midplane increases with the thickness ratio, and approaches a constant value as the ratio of plate thicknessess equals 10 or more.