Bolf Failure Diagnostics

Bolt Failure Diagnostics

Bolted joints are one of the most common elements on rolling stock and it is all too common to find a bolt that has become loose in service or is missing altogether? ExcelWraps rolling stock workflow solutions have created the BoltExpert application to understand joint mechanics and find solutions to fastener problems. Few engineers have enough bolting knowledge to suggest corrective actions with confidence but with the help of the BoltExpert application they can. It covers: 

• Why we don’t like reusing bolts.
• Why there is no such thing as a standard torque.
• Why one bolt loosens whilst other seemingly identical bolts do not.
• Why some bolt tightening methods are better than others.
• What secondary locking devices can we trust (deformed thread, split pin, wire locking, double nut, Philidas nut,  tab washer, nyloc, spring washers, Loctite, Nord-lock washer…)

We also use our BoltExpert Wrap both as a training tool so that attendees can ask what-if questions and see the result immediately. It works by considering each element of a bolted joint to reveal the root cause of loosening and the most effective corrective action.  Using drop-down controls you can represent your own bolted joint, it will do all the complex maths and present results in live interactive charts.