Publications

Effect of Threaded Joint Preparation on Impact Energy Dissipation Using Frequency-Based Kolsky Bar Analysis

Werner, Brian T.; Song, Bo S.; Nelson, Kevin N.

Threaded joints are used in a wide range of industries and are relied upon in maintaining component assembly and structural integrity of mechanical systems. The threads may undergo specific preparation before assembly in applications. In order to ensure a tight seal the threads may be wrapped with PTFE tape or to prevent loosening over time an adhesive (thread locker) may be used. When a threaded joint is subjected to impact loading, the energy is transmitted through the joint to its neighbors while part of it is dissipated within the joint. In order to study the effect of the surface preparation to the threads, steel and aluminum joints were tested with no surface preparation, application of PTFE tape, and with the use of a thread locker (Loctite 262). The tests were conducted using a Kolsky tension bar and a frequency based analysis was used to characterize the energy dissipation of the various thread preparations on both steel/steel and steel/aluminum threaded joints. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 2015.