UNIT 5 DESIGN OF SCREWS, FASTENERS

AND POWER SCREWS

i
!
Structure
5.1 Introduction
Object~ves

5.2 Geometry of Thread

5.3 Mechanics of Screw and Nut Pair
5.4 Power Screw Mechanics
5.5 Application of Power Screw
5.6 Standard Threads
5.7 Design ol' Screw and Nut
5.8 Threaded Fastener
5.9 Failure of Bolts and Screws
5.10 Stiffness of Bolted Members
5.1 1 Permissible Stresses in Bolts
5.L2 Summary
5.13 Keywords
5.14 Answers to SAQs

5.1 INTRODUCTION
Screws are used for power transmission or transmission of force. A screw is a cylinder
on whose surface helical projection is created in form of thread. The thread will have
specified width and depth, which bear some ratio with the diameter of the cylinder. The
screw rotates in a nut, which has corresponding helical groove on the internal surface.
Thus a nut and a screw make a joint in which one remains stationary while other rotates
and translares axially. The helical surface of the screw thread makes surface contact with
the helical groove surface of the nut. If an axial force acts on, say screw moving inside
stationary nut, the point of application of the force will move as the screw advances in
axial direction. This will result in work being done and hence power being transmitted.
Both types - one in which screw rotates and advances in a stationary nut or one in which
screw rotates between fixed support and nut is free to move axially - are used in
practice. In the latter case the force acting on nut will move as nut translates. However,
the friction between the surfaces of contact will require some power to be overcome.
Hence the power delivered by the screw-nut joint will be less than the power supplied.
The contact surfaces of screw thread and nut groove are made perpendicular to the
outside and inside cylindrical surfaces. They are sometimes given a small inclination.
Such provision keeps coefficient of friction to a reasonable low lever. The coefficient of
friction may be further reduced by lubrication. However, by creating considerably
inclined surfaces in nut and screw the effective coefficient of friction is increased. Such
screw thread joint will make advancing of threaded part difficult. This combination will
be used as fastening device.
Objectives
After studying this unit, you should be able to
describe geometry of screw and nut,
define mechanics of screw and nut,
Design of Mecbrnicrl determine forces on screw and nut and threads,
Elements
calculate dimensions of screw and nut for transmission of force, and
find the forceon screw fastener and load transmitted to parts jointed by
fasteners.

5.2 GEOMETRY OF THREAD

Look at Figures 5.l(a) and (b) and you will get a fair idea how would a screw and a nut
appear. The screw will pass into nut by rotating either of them. For understanding how a
helical thread can be formed on a cylinder you can take a plane sheet of paper and draw
an inclined line on it. Then roll the paper to form a cylinder by bringing two opposite
edges of the paper together. The line which you drew will appear like a helix on the
surface of the cylinder. A line drawn as AC, inclined at angle a with horizontal line AA,
will be wrapped on the cylinder to AA', looking like a helix. AA, becomes the
circumference of the cylinder and A' coincides with C . In Figure 5.2, you can see two
parallel lines AC and A'C drawn inclined at a to horizontal and then paper wrapped to
form a cylinder and thus two threads are formed on cylinder.p is the vertical distance
between A, and C or between C and C'. If the paper is wrapped such that the lines drawn
are on the inside surface, you can get the idea of internal thread.

( I ) A Screw (b) A Nut

Figure 5.1 :Sdrew and Nutwith Helical Surfaces Cut on Ovtside and Inside
Surfaces of Cylinders, respectively

Figure 5.2 : Formation of a Helix on the Cylindrical Surface

The distance A,C which is equal to AA' and A"C" is called the pitch of the screw. Pitch is
apparently the distance between two corresponding points on two consecutive threads.
The angle a between the base of the triangle and hypotenuse becomes the angle of helix.
Obviously,
 Design of Screw? '
Fasteners and PowCr
Screws
P
tan a = -
xd
If the helix on the outside surface ascends from right to left the thread is left hand. Such
a threaded screw will have to be turned counter clockwise to engage the mating nut. On
the other hand a right hand screw will be turned clockwise and its helix will appear to
ascend from left to right. The thread shown in Figure 5.2 is left hand. If a plane figure,
say a triangle or trapeziums placed in contact with the outer surface of the base cylinder
on which the helical line was created and then is made to rotate round the cylinder along
the helix then the helical surfaces will be formed on the base cylinder giving rise to
thread as can be seen in Figure 5.3. If the generating plane section is a square, a square
thread is created. The thread depicted in Figure 5.l(a) is a square thread. The Vee thread
is created by a triangular section while trapezoidal thread has a trapezium section. This
thread is also known as the Acme thread. Buttress thread has a triangular section but one
side of the triangle is perpendicular to the axis. The square, the Acme and the buttress
threads are used for power transmission, as they are more efficient than the Vee thread.
The square thread is most efficient but difficult to produce and hence becomes costly.
The adjustment for wear in square thread is very difficult but can be easily achieved in
the Acme threads, by splitting the nut along the axis. The Acme threads thus can be used
as power transmission element when power is to be transmitted in both the directions.

Figure 5.3 :Generating a Square Section Thread on Cylindrical Surface

There is little or no backlash in the Acme threads which are commonly used as feed and
lead screws of machine tools. The buttress thread having one side flat and other slopping
combines the advantage of square thread and Acme thread. The flat side provides the
efficiency of power transmission while the inclined side provides the ease of adjustment.
However, these advantages become possible only when the power is transmitted in one
direction. Vee threads for their lower efficiency for power transmission are used as
fasteners. Due to sides being inclined the effective coefficient of friction between the
screw and the nut increases. Figure 5.4 shows Vee or triangular, the Acme and the
buttress threads with leading nomenclature.
The major diameter is the largest diameter of the screw thread denoted by d for external
thread and by D for internal thread. Minor diameter (dl or Dl) is the smallest diameter of
1
the screw. Sorne times more than one thread may be cut on the screw. These multiple
threads may be easily seen at the end of the screw where more than one thread will
appear to start. Multiple start threads give the advantage that screw can move through a
longer distance in the nut when given one rotation as compared to the screw with a
single thread or start. The distance moved by a screw along its axis when given one
rotation is called the lead. Apparently
lead = number of starts x pitch . . . (5.2)
Design of Mechanical Thread
angle Crest
Elements

+PI+-
(a) Vee Thread

(b) Acme Thread

(t) Buttress Thread

Figure 5.4

The V-threads are standardized by several organizations wherein nominal major

diameter, pitch and pitch diameters are described. According to IS : 1362-1962 a screw
thread (VEE type) is designated by letter M followed by nominal major diameter. An
M 1.6 thread has nominal major diameter of 1.6 mm.IS : 4694-1968 describes basic
dimensions of square threads.

5.3 MECHANICS OF SCREW AND NUT PAIR

It was mentioned earlier that the motion between nut and screw is like a body moving on
an inclined plane. Figures 5.5(a) and (b) will explain this motion. The body ofweight W
is pushed up the inclined plane by a force P which acts upon the body horizontally. This
inclined plane is bent round a cylinder in Figure 5.5(b) and some body is being pushed
up the plane while force P remains horizontal but also tangential to circular path of the
body. This illustrates how the motion of the nut on the thread is similar to motion of a
body on an inclined plane. The weight of the body on the inclined plane is replaced by
weight carried by the nut in axial direction. The force P is applied by the help of a
wrench and W may be the reaction developed between surfaces of contact.
 Dcvign of Screlvs,
Fasteners and Power
Screws

(a) Ir~clinedPlane

Q Thread
a

(b) Inclined Plane Wrapped Hound a Base Cylinder to Form a Thread

Figure 5.5
'This is illustrates in ~ i ~ u r 5.6(a)
e s and (b) makes imagination that a lever is pivoted on
the axis of the cylinder and pushes the body of weight W up the incline of helically
wrapped plane on the cylinder. The lever touches the body at a radius r while a force P,
is applied on the lever at an armlength of L. In the nomenclature we have already
defined the outer diameter of the thread as major diameter, d and the smallest diameter
dm
as the diameter of the cylinder, d l , (also called core diameter). r is - where dmis the
2
mean diameter of thread, being mean of d and d l . If P be the force applied by the lever
on the body of weight w. then by taking moments of forces. acting upon the lever, about
the axis of the cylinder.

(b)
Figure 5.6
Design of Mechanical The force P has to overcome the friction as well as cause lifting of the body in vertical
Elements direction. To find the relationship between force P, called effort, and weight ofthe body,
W, we have to consider the equilibrium of the body on an inclined plane as shown in
Figures 5.7(a) and (b). The free body diagram clearly shows forces along and
perpendicular to the inclined plane.

(a) A Body being Pushed Up the Inclined Plane with Angle of Inclination u. by a llorizontal Force P

(b) Free Body Diagram of Body of Weight w

Figure 5.7

The sum of the forces perpendicular to the plane and sum of the forces along the plane
should separately be zero to satisfy the conditions of equilibrium p. is taken as
coefficient of friction between the body and the plane, which is same as coefficient of
friction between the nut and screw thread surfaces. p = tan $ where $ is the angle of
friction.
Summing up the forces perpendicular to the plane.
The normal reaction,
N = Wcos a + P s i n a
Hence, force of friction between the surfaces of contact

Summing up the forces parallel to the inclined plane

. . . (i)
sin 4
Replacing p by tan t$ = -
CQS $

sin $ sin $
P cos a - -p sin a = w sin a -W cos a cos 4+W cos a sin t$
cos 4 cos $

p cos a cos $ - P sin a sin $ = W sin a cos 4 + W cos a sin + . . . (ii)

= P w tan ( a + 4) . . . (5.4)
If there is no friction, 4 = 0 and effort in such a case is called ideal effort denoted by p,
where
pi = W tan a . . . (5.5)
Iience the efficiency o r an inclined plane with inclination of a or the efficiency of a Design of Screws,
Fasteners rncl Porver
screw having helix angle a is Screws

-
-
tan a . . . (5.6)
tan ( a + 4)

If in a situation as shown in Figure 5.7(a), P is removed, will the body slide down?
Obviously it will depend upon the fact as to how large angle a is. If Wsin a > p W cos a
the body will slide down under its own weight (Examine (i) and (ii) with P = 0 and
facting up the plane). Same thing will happen in case of a nut in Figure 5.6 (a), i.e. when
effort P I is removed from the wrench or wrench is removed. the nut will rotate back
under load W. It means the nut is not self-locking. However, if a is reduced it can be
seen that at a = 9, the downward component (along the plane) of weight W, i.e. W sin 9
and friction force (along the plane) p Wcos a become equal and the body remains just
stationary or the nut does not move down. If a < 9, the body will need a force to action
so as to push it down. lf this force is P then
P' = W tan (9 - a) . . . (5.7)
Naturally screws of a > 4, will not be self locking or in other words they cannot act as
fasteners. If. however, the angle a < 9, an effort P, given by Eq. (5.7) will be required to
unscrew the nut, and such screws can be used as fasteners.
The Eq. (5.6) which defines the efficiency of the screw and that the condition for screw
to be self locking is that a I 9 can be used to deiermine the maximum efficiency of a self
locking screw and nut pair.
For self locking condition, the efficiency
tan Q
rls
tan (9 + Q)

<- tan 9 tan 9 (1 - tan2 9)

- I
tan 29 2 tan I$

Since tan' 9 is always less than 1. ( p = tan 4)

The screw having efficiency greater than 50% is said to over haul, meaning the load W
will cause the nut to roll down.

5.4 POWER SCREW MECHANICS

In the preceding section the simple case of a square thread was considered. As will be
seen in the text that follows that the square thread is more efficient than the Acme thread
because in the Acme thread the effective coefficient of friction increases, yet for power
screws it is the Acme thread which is used more predominantly. The Acme thread can be
machined more easily 'fhan.the square thread and more importantly the clearance in the
Acme thread can be adjusted to take care of the wear or machining inaccuracy.
Figure 5.8 shows the nuts in pair with square and the Acme threads and an adjusting
mechanism for the acme thread.
Design of Mechanical Parton nut,

Elements - 7nd nut

,-,,.".
narrow nut

Figure 5.8 : (a) A Square thread and Nut (b) An Acme Thread and Two Nuts for Adjusting Clearance
on Both sides of the Thread. Two Narrow nuts Threading on Outside of the nut Push the Two Nuts in
Opposite Direition (c) Adjustment of Clearance on Two Sides of thread

An Acme thread has two inclination. Firstly the plane of the thread is sloping along
angle of helix in the direction of the helix. The plane of the thread also slopes away from
the circumference of the screw, i.e. the circumference of diameter dl. The same is true
for the V-thread. Both types of threads are as shown in Figures 5.4(a) and (b). The effect
of inclination in the radial direction is to increase the normal reaction between the nut
and the screw. This inclination in the radial direction of thread gives at a shape of
trapezium of angle 20 as shown in Figure 5.9 and since the notion will occur
perpendicular to the plane of paper; the force of friction will depend upon the normal
reaction.

Screw

Figure 5 3 :A Nut Moving on a Screw having Acme Thread

For a vertical force Wpressing the nut on the thread of screw. the normal reaction is N.
Resolving N in the vertical direction and equating with W
W
N c o s 8 = W or N =-
cos 0

and hence the force of friction along the direction of helix is p N or -p W which can
cos 8
also be written as p' Wand p' can be called a modified or effective coefficient of
friction. No doubt you can see that

P' -> 0 . . . (5.9)

cos 0

It is because cos 0 is less than 1. Greater the angle 0, lesser the cos 8 and hence p' will
increase with increasing 0. This is what happens in V-thread. The force of friction
between nut and thread in V-threads is greater than in Acme thread. The P-W
relationship given by Eq. (5.4) stands valid for square thread and can be modified for Design of Screws,
Fasteners and Power
Acme thread by replacing 4 by 4' where Screws

P= MI tan (a + 4') . . . (5.10)

Efficiency of the Acme thread will be
tan a
q' = ...
tan (a + 4')

A word about the horizontal component of N, which N sin 8 will be in order. Remember
we are talking about the thread round the circumference of the screw. There is other side
r eand N sin 8 there will be acting to the right. Thus the
of the screw on right of ~ i ~ u5.9
horizontal components of N are balanced.
The force P which acts as tangent to the mean circle of diameter d, between the outer
circle of diameter d and inner circle of diameter d . i.e. at radius 2 = -d l will cause
+

2 4
a moment

dm
M, = W tan (a + 4) - ...
2
Here 4' is the effective angle of friction which could be 4 = tan-' p if the square thread
is on the screw. Apparently the torque in Eq. (5.12) will twist the cylinder of screw and
cause shearing stress in it. The cylinder is acted upon by an axial compression also. The
axial compressive force courses compressive stress at any point in the section.
Example 5.1
A square threaded screw is required to work against an axial force of 6.0 kN and
has following dimensions.
Major dia. d = 32 mm; pitch p = 4 mm with single start, p = 0.08. Axial force
rotates with the screw.
Calculate :
(a) Torque required when screw moves against the load.
(b) Torque required when screw moves in the same direction as the load.
(c) Efficiency of the screw.
Solution
Remember the relationship between p, d and dl which has been shown in
Figure 5.1.

P = 2 ( d - d,,)

or dm = d - -P
2
Usingd= 32 m m a n d p = 4 mm
dm = 32 - 2 = 30 mm . . . (i)
The angle of helix is related to the circumference of mean circle and the pitch
from description of Section 5.2.
Design of Mechanical
Elements . . . (ii)

. . . (iii)
and tan Q = p = 0.08 . . . (iv)
tan 4 = 4.57'
From Eq. (5.12) torque required to move screw against load

30
=6xtan(2.4+4.57)~-=6~0.12225~15kNm
2
=11Nm . . . (v)
When screw moves in the same direction, is a case in which to body moves down
the inclined plane. In this case the forep' to push down is given by Eq. 5.7. Hence
the torque

I
d m = W tan
= p1 - (4 - a)-
dm
2 2
30
= 6 x tan (4.57 - 2.4) x - = 6 x 0.038 x 15 kNmm
2
= 3.42 Nm . . . (vi)
From Eq. (5.6), efficiency
tan a 0.042
'1= = -2 0.344
tan ( a + 4) 0.12225
or q = 34.4% . . . (vii)
Example 5.2
If in the Example 5.1, the screw has the Acme thread with thread angle 20 = 29'
instead of square thuead, calculate the same quantities.
Solution
There is no difference in calculation for square and the Acme thread except that in
case of the Acme thread the coefficient of friction is modified and effective
coefficient of friction is given by Eq. (5.9).

From Figure 5.2(b) fior the Acme Shread note that

. . . (i)
 W Design of Screws,
2 dm tan ( a + 4')
Ml= - Fasteners and Power
Screws
= 3.0 x 29.875 x tan (2.44 + 4.724) = 89.625 x 0.126 kNmm
or M, = 11.265 Nm . . . (ii)
tan a -
- tan 2.44 =-
0.0426
'1=
tan ( a + $) tan (2.44 + 4.724) 0.126
or q = 33.8% . . . (iii)
When the screw moves in the same direction as the load, the torque

M t' - Wd, tan (4' - a )

2

- 6 x 29.875
tan (4.724 - 2.44) kNmm
2
or Mi = 3.58 Nm . . . (iv)
Comparing the results of Examples 5.1 and 5.2 we can see that the screws have
got same major diameter and pitch and for this reason their helix angles are
different. Coefficients of friction are inherently different. But the torque on the
screw increases by 2.41 % and efficiency decreases by 1.744%.
i
SAQ 1
(a) Distinguish between square and the Acme threads, the Acme threads and
the V-threads. Also mention relations for pitch, various diameters.
(b) What do you understand by multi-start thread? Define dead and the pitch
and give relation between them. If two threads are having same pitch but
one is single start and other is three starts, which one will advance more and
how much if screw is turned through one full rotation in the nut.
(c) What reason you can put forth for preferring the Acme threads tosquare
threads.
(d) A horizontally fixed nut carries a vertical screw of square thread whose
mean diameter is 50 mm, and the pitch is 10 mm. On the top of the screw a
circular disc I00 N weight and 100 mm diameter is fixed and this disc has
radial hole into which a rod of 1.I m is fixed such that 1 m length is out of
the disc. If at the end of this rod an effort of 280 N is required to l i f t a load
placed on the disc, calculate the load. The coefficient of friction between
the threads of the screw and nut is 0.1.

5.5 APPLICATION OF POWER SCREW

Power screws are used in machines and equipment for lifting loads, applying pull forces,
translating loaded machine parts and tools and for positioning devices. It can work in
two modes, either with a fixed nut and moving screw or with a fixed screw and moving
I nut. The rotary motion can be given to any of the nuts or screw. The simplest device one
I
can think of is a screw jack, often used for lifting heavy loads. The load can be placed on
top of a platform (like disc as described in SAQ l(d), and with fixed nut the screw may
I be rotated with the help of a lever. However, the load will rotate with the screw. The
alternative method would be to rotate the screw supported in vertical direction and
obstruct the screw to rotate with the nut. The two alternatives are shown in Figure 5.10.
Design of Mechanical The lead screw of a lathe machine, which moves the tool carriage, is another example of
Elements power screw in which the screw rotates in a nut and screw is supported like a shaft
between two bearings. The thrust is caused on the nut. which is integral part of the tool
carriage. The nut moves along the length of the screw taking the carriage. The reaction
of the thrust bears on the supports of the screw. The screw can be used for accurate
positioning of the carriage if it is rotated by a separate stepper motor. The screw in
transferring of force can also be used in hand operated ~unchingmachines. as a lifter of
dam gate or as a presser of masses.
If there is a support like a collar. shown in Figure 5.10(a) on the top of which the load is
placed so that it does not rotate, then the applied torque has to be equal to the sum of the
torque required to rotate the screw in the nut and the friction torque between the surfaces
of the collar and load platform. The friction torque between the supporting bearing
surface and stationary surface may be reduced by lubrication or by providing rolling
bearing as showing in Figure 5.10(b). In any given situation the torque at bearing surface
will have to be calculated.

Figure 5.10

If the collar surface is like a flat disc of outer and inner diameters of d,, and d, then the
friction torque is given by
 Design uf Screws.
Fasteners and Powcr
Screws

The Eq. (5.13) has not been derived here and we will derive it in the unit on clutches and
brakes. In the above equation p, is the coefficient of friction between the collar and the
platform or between bearing surfaces. Hence M , c a n also be writer as p, Wv where r, is
the radius of an imaginary circle. Along the tangent of this circle the force of friction p,
do + d,
W is assumed to act. An approximate value of r, = -can also be used.
4
lncidentally this value of r, may be true for unlubricated surface which is not a reality.

5.6 STANDARD THREADS

Standards of threads describe pitch core diameter and major diameter. The standard
threads can be out in standard machine tools with standard cutters and designer can use
them for calculation of sizes and ensure interchangeability we will see in illustrated
examples how the standards are used by designer presently we describe Indian standard
15.4694-1968 for square threads in which a thread is identified by its nominal diameter
which is also the major diameter. According to standard the of the screw which will
provide a clearance of 0.25 mm between the outer surface of screw and inner surface if
not thread of cut thread. The basic dimensions of square threads are described in
Table 5.1.
Table 5.1 : Basic Dimensions of Square Thread, (mm)

5.7 DESIGN OF SCREW AND NUT

Designing is calculating the dimensions, which can be seen in Figure 5.1. They are core
diameter, d, major diameter d and pitch,p. the number of threads also has to be
determined we have to realize that the load comes upon the screw as axial.
Design of Mechanical Compression causing compressive stress, which is uniformly distributed over circular
Elements
cross section of diameter, d l .As the screw rotates, into subjected to a torque given by
p- dm or W tan ( a + 4) - dm
. This torque will cause shearing stress, which will be
2 2
d
maximum on the surface or at radius of 1. The transfer of axial lead between the screw
2
thread and nut occurs through surface of thread. The pressure is to be kept within
permissible limits, which normally is such that squaring of oil film between contact
surface should not occur. Further the thread and the cylindrical surface of the cylinder
may tend to shear off under the load acting on the thread lasting we must realize that the
axial load on screw makes the screw to act like a column. This column is not allowed to
buckle. We will consider each of the above modes of failure to establish equations for
calculating dimension.
Direct Stress
The axial load (force) is W, compressive in nature and the area which carries the
force is the core cross section of diameter d,. Hence, compressive stress,
o=-
4W . We will see that this direct compressive stress combines with shearing
Xd;
stress to give principql and maximum shearing stresses. The resulting equations
cannot be solved for d l , hence the expression for o is used to calculate dl from
given permissible corppressive stress. To account for other stresses, which we will
see in next section, the magnitude of the compressive stress in increased by 30%.

Hence

As an example if W = 50 kN and permissible compressive stress is 80 MPa, then

By the helps of Table 5.2 you can see that nearest standard value value of d , is
33 mm withp = 7 mm and d = 40 mm. thus apparently give all the information we
require for a screw but we have to check for safety against other stresses.
Maximum Shearing Stress
dm
We have already seen that torque M, w tan ( a + 4) - is required to rotate the
2
screw to cause it to move against force w or to lift weight W. the torque will cause
shearing stress in addidion to direct compressive stress o as stated earlier. The
shearing stress at any point on surface of core

The state stress at any point on the surface of core of the screw will compressive
of a direct stress a and ,a shearing stress r as shown in Figure 5.1 1.

Figure 5.11 : State of Stress at any Point on Core Surface of Dia dl

 The maximum principal stress is given by Design of Screws.
Fasteners and Power
Screw s

This stress is not of much significance because it is reduced from higher

magnitude o or if it becomes tensile, to magnitude to still not much. However
maximum shearing stress is significant.

The permissible shearing stress will be known but solving Eq. (5.15) will be too
difficult as you can see that it contains fourth and sixth power of d l and M, is also
the function of dm (or d l and 6).Therefore it is recommended to calculate d l from
Eq. (5.14) and using this value of d l , calculate.,,,z Then you have to see that the
calculated value of,,,z is less than permissible value of shearing stress.
Determining Number of Threads
The screw may be as long as required by consideration of geometry of machine.
For example a lead screw may be as long as the length of the lathe bed. But in all
cases the land transfer between the screw and nut will require total load to be
shared among the threads on nut, which is smaller in length than the screw. The
number of threads is decided on the basis of the load carried by thread surface
perpendicular to core cylinder as shown in Figure 5.12. All threads in contact will
carry axial force of the screw through uniformly distributed pressureph, in a
square thread, the width and depth each is equal to t. The thread section is shown
on left hand side of Figure 5.12 and on right hand side one thread is show in
loaded by pressure. The same pressure will be acting on the thread of the IIUI. Area
on which pressure is acting is the area between the compressive circles of
diameters and d l for one thread and if there are n threads in contact or n threads on
the nut, the n total area of contact to carry the pressure.

:. Permissible pressure pb =
4W - W
.n x ( d 2 - d f ) n x d , t

Figure 5.12 : Preswre on Contrct Surface

Design of Mechanical This equation can be used for a check if the pressure between the threads of the
Elements nut and screw is within the permissible limit or it can be used to calculate the
number of threads, n. in contact.
Shearing of Threads from the Core Cylinder
Because of the force W, acting as uniformly distributed pressure as shown in
Figure 5.12 thread may have a tendency to shear effect will occur is shown shaded
in Figure 5.13. The thread is shown in broken lines. This area apparently is a ship
of width, t, on the cylinder of diameter d l .Hence the area

With shearing stress t, which will be created at the bottom of n thread of screw,

Figurp 5.13 : The Area at the Bottom of a Thread in Screw

You must realise that the threads on the inside of the nut will also be similarly
subjected to shearing stress at their between Hence is nut

Normally, the screw and nut are not made in the same material which screw is
made in steel the preferred material for nut is either cast iron or bronze. The
permissible value of shearing stress for nut material may be less and in that case
Eq. (5.1 8) must be used to calculate n.
'The height of the nut is simply the product if n and p, i.e.
h = np .. .(5.19)
You must realise that the nut is threaded all along its length.
The various screw-nut material combinations are described in Table 5.2.
Table 5.2 :Screw-Nut Material Combination and Safe Bearing Pressure
 Bucltling of Screw Design of Serer.\.
Fasteners and Power
We have already said that the screw will be have as a column under axial Screws
compressive load. It is neither long nor very short in length hence Rankine
formula will be used to calculate compressive stress. One end if the screw is
always in the nut and this end will be regarded as fixed. The other end can take
any configuration as fire, hinged or fixed depending upon how the load is applied
upon it if the end is used to support the load then it is free but if the flat and is
pressed as in a press or clamp then it is fixed if the end of the screw in a presses
rounded then it is hinged. The Rankine formula gives the compressive stress as :

Here Wand d l have usual meaning

o, = Yield strength of screw material,
C = end fixity coefficient, 0.25 with one end fixed and other free 2 with
one end fixed and other pivoted,
E = Modules of elasticity of screw material,
I = Length of screw above or out of nut, and
k = radius of gyration of core section of the screw.
Example 5.3
A screw press is required to exert a force of 50 kN when applied torque is
560 Nm. The unsupported length of the screw is 450 mm and a thrust bearing of
hardened steel on cast iron is provided at the power end.
The p~rmissiblestresses in the steel screw are
1 Tension and compression - 85 MPa, Shear - 55 MPa.
The permissible bearing pressure is 13.5 MPa for steel screw and C.Imat
I The permissible shearing stress in the CI is 20 MPa
The yield strength of steel of screw. o,= 260 MPa
The coefficient of friction in screw and nut is 0.15
Determine the dimensions of screw and nut, and efficiency.
Solution
Step 1
Determine diameter d l ,d, p, a to define the thread
Eq. (5.14), will be used to estimate d l ,
I

Use W = 50,000 N, o= 85 ~ / m m ~
t

Look in the Table 5.1, closed to 3 1.2 mm the core diameter is 33 mm with
pitch p = 7 mm. However, you may also use following rule : between
d l = 30 and d l = 40 mm, p = 0.2 d l .
Design d Xlechanieal We choose to use Table 5.1.
Elements
So , dl = 33 mm, d = 40 mm, p = 7 mm . . . (i)

Angle of helix, a = tan-' -P = tan-' ------ - -tan-' 0.061

ndm n: x 36.5
a = 3.5' . . . (ii)

tan 41 = p = 0.15, 4 = tan-' 0.15

4 = 8.53' . . . (iii)
tan a - tan 3.5 -
--0.061
Efficiency of screw, q =
tan ( a + 4) tan (3.5 + 8.53) 0.213
. . (iv)
Number of threads in contact i.e. threads in nut and height of nut.
P = 3.5 mm, rnu, = 20 N/rnm2
Use Eq. (5.18), put t = -
2

n = 5.684 say 6
This has to be checked for bearing pressure, ph 13.5 N/mm2
Use Eq. (5.1'6)

n= 509000 = 9.23 say 10

x x 13.5 (402 - 332)
This n is greater than the earlier calculated 6. Hence N = 10 is chosen.
Check for maximum shearing stress
dm
M,= W tan ( a + 4) -
2

Use' dm =- - 4 0 + 3 3 -36.5
--- mm
2 2
36.5
M,=50,000 x tan (3.5 + 8.53) x -= 19.4 x lo4 Nmm
2

Also note 4w -
o =- -
509000 = 58.5 N/rnm2
nd; ~ ~ ( 3 3 ) ~
 Design of Scrcrrs,
Fastcncrs and Power
Screws

The permissible shearing stress is 55 N/mm2

Hence screw in safe against shearing.

Figure 5.14
Check for Buckling
In a press the free length of the application of the pressing force.
Since the pressing end is rounded (see Figure 5.14).
Hence end fixity coefficient, C = 2 in Eq. (5.20)

Using these values in Eq. (5.20)

This compressive stress is safe as permissible value is 85 ~ l m m ' .

Thus design is safe with D = 40 mm, dl = 33 mm,p = 7 mm, n = 10.
Example 5.4
Design a screw lack to lift a load of 100 kNethrougha height of 300 mm. Assume
o,,= 400 MPa, r,, = 200 MPa, o,= 300 MPa, p h = 10 MPa. The outer diameter of
bearing surface is 1.6 dl and inner diameter of bearing surface is 0.8 d l .
Design of lllechanical Coefficient of friction between collar on screw and C.1 is 0.2. Coefficient of
Elements friction between steel screw and bronze nut is 0.15. Take a factor of safety of 5 for
screw and nut but take a factor of safety of 4 for operating lever.
Solution
The screw lack to be designed is shown in Figures 5.15(a) and (b) shows the
details of the cup on which the load W is to be carried.
W
U L -

of jack

Figure 5.15 : (a) Screw Jack Assembled; and (b) The Load Cup

The overall design of screw jack comprises designing of

(a) Screw,
(b) Nut,

(d) Cup,and
(e) Body of the jack.
Screw
Screw becomes the central part. The other parts will be dependent upon the
screw. The screw design will decide core dia. d l ,major dia. d and pitch,p.
Hence screw design will consist of calculating d l , d and p and checking for
maximum shearing stress and buckling of the screw.
Assume square thread
400
Use Eq. (5.14) with W = 100,000 N, o = -= 80 ~ l r n r n ~
5
 Design o f Scrcrrb.
Fasteners and POHcr
Scruwz

or d l = 45.5 mm
From Table 5.1, choose next higher value as d l = 46 mm with
p=9mmandd=55mm.
After estimated values we go to check for max. Shearing stress and
the buckling of the screw.
Maxrmuni Shearing Stress

Compressive stress, o = 4 W = 4 x 1 0 5 = 6 0 . 1 7 ~ / m m '

scd, IT x (46)2

Torque on the screw, M, = W tan (a + 4) -

d"1

a = tan-'
P = tan - 1
- -
9 -
- tan-' 0.0567 = 3.25'
dn1 IT x 50.5
4 = tan-' p = tan-' 0.1 5 = 8.53'

50.5 0.21 x 50.5 x lo5

M, = lo5 tan (3.25 + 8.53) x - =
2 2
= 5.266 x lo5 Nmm

220
The permissible sharing stress is 5= - = 44 Nlmm .
5 5
Thus the screw is safe against shear.
Buckling
The screw acts like a column of which one end is fixed while other is free.
Look at Figure 5.15(a) and imagine the services completely raised above the
nut.
In this case,
C* = 0.25
 This stress is less than pennissible compressive stress of 80 ~ i m mThus
~.
we find that the values of calculated earlier are acceptable.
Note importantly that though o, is safe it is greater than o. Hence it is
advisable t h a t o , is used for checking r,,

= 43.4 ~/mm~.
This values r,,, is still safe.
Nut
For standard square thread the depth or thickness of the thread,

W
Use Eq. (5.16), pb = --- with p,, = I0 ~ l m m *dm
, = 50.5 mm.
nxdmt
t = 4.5 mm, W = 10' N

Normally n >10 is not preferred. So we can go for higher d,, d andp. Next
standard values will be dl = 49 mm, d = 58 mm, p = 9 mm.
5 8 + 4 9 107 P
Hence, dm = -= -= 53.5 mm, r = - = 4.5 m
2 2 2

Since this is also greater than 10, we can go for next higher value of
d l = 5 1 mm w i t h d = 6 0 m m a n d p = 9 mm.

So that -
d, = 5 1 + 6 0 = -
' 1 1 --5 5 . 5 m m
2 2
which will also not satisfy the condition.
The last choice in the table with samep is dl = 53 mm and d = 62 mm.
5 3 + 6 2 115
So that dm= --- - = 57.5 mm which result in n = 12.3 mm.
2 2
Still better solution is to go for next series with p = 10 mm.

Which is very close to 10, hence can be accepted.

So the solution changes to d , = 55 mm, d = 65 mm, p = 10 mm. You need Design of Screw*.
Fasteners and Po\ver
not check these dimensions because they are larger than the safe ones. (It is
Sere\\
important that the reader understands the reiteractive nature of design and
how the help from standards is derived. The iterations have been done to
emphasize that the exercise in design should not be treated as a problem in
strength of materials. In design the problem to bring practicability in focus.
The length of the nut, H = np = 10.6 x 10 = 106 mm.
Outside Diameter of Nut; see Figure 5.1 (b) and Figure 5.9.
The nut is in tension. The section to bear tensile stress is

Bronze is not as strong as steel. Silicon bronze (Cu = 95Oio, Si = 4%.

Mn = 1 %) is quite good for making nut. This material is available in
wrought condition with a,,= 330 MPa. If factor of safety of 5 is used, then
3 00
permissible tensile stress is -= 66 Nlmm 2
5

or Do = 78.86 say 79 mm
To fit the nut in position in the body ofjack, a collar is provided at the top
(see Figure 5.1 5(a)).
The thickness of the collar = 0.5 D = 0.5 x 65.5 = 32.72 mm
The outside diameter of the Collar Doocan be found be Considering crushing
of collar surface under compressive stress. The area under compression is

The compressive strength of bronze is same as tensile stress, 66 MPa

The nut is shown in Figure 5.16.

Figure 5.16
Ues~gaof' \Iech:~nical Arm
Elements
The arm is used to rotate the screw in the stationary. The portion of the
screw at the top is enlarged to a diameter, 2ro
where 2r0 = I .6 d l = 1.6 x 55 = 88 mm (see Figure 5.15(b)).
2ro is the outer diameter for bearing surface of collar on which will rest the
load cup. The cup will turn around a pin of dia. 2r, = 0.8,
dl = 0.8 x 55 = 44 mm.
These two diameters will be used to calculate the torque of friction at
bearing surface. Call this torque M,/and use Eq. (5.13)

p, = 0.2 and and all other values are described earlier

= 6.84 x 10' Nmm

The arm will have to apply this torque along with the torque for lifting the
load which is given as :

dm
M , = W tan (a+ 4) -
2

P = tan-'
4 = 8.53', d,,, = 60 ~ n ma, = tan-' - 10
-tan-' 0.05 = 3' ,

xd~n x 60
~r

M, = lo5 x 30 tan (1 1.53) = 6.12 x 10' Nmm

Total torque A4 = M, + M, = (6.84 + 6.12) x lo5 = 13 x 10' Nmm

A single man can apply 400 N of force but two men can apply 80 N with an
efficiency of 90%. Let's assume two persons work at the end of the arm. the
length of the arm

Actual length will incorporate allowance for grip and insertion in collar so
arm of 2.1 m length will be appropriate.
The torque M will atts as bending moment on the arm with permissible
400
bending stress as -= 160 ~ / m m '. The diameter of arm
25

The Cup
The shape of the cup is shown in Figure 5.15(b). It can be made in CI and
side may incline 30' with vertical. With bottom diameter as 1.2 (2r,), its
height can be decided by the geometry of load to be lifted. Since no
information is given we leave this design only at shape.
 The BorOy o f t h e Jack Design of Srrm \.
Fasteners and Power
Height = Lifting height +length of the nut - length of the collar on the nut + Screws
allowance for bottom plate of 2 mln thickness and head of the bolt
holding plate.

I = 300 + 106 - 32:72 + ( 2 + 4.8) (using a 6 mm bolt)

= 380.1 mm
Thickness, 6 = 0.25 d = 0.25 x 65 = 16.25 inm
Thickness of base, 6 , = 0.5 d = 0.5 x 65 = 32.5 mm
I
Diameter of base, D2= 4.0 d = 4 x 65 = 260 mm

Diameter of base (outside), D3 = 5d = 5 x 65 = 325 mm

Efficiency
tan a -
' 0'05 - 24.5%
= tan ( a + () 0.204

Listing of Designed Dimensions.

Screw : Square Thread.
Core dia. of screw, d l = 55 mm ,
Major dia. of screw, d = 65 mm
Pitch of Thread,p = 10 mm.
Nut
Number of threads, n = 10.6
Height of the nut, H = 106 mm
Outside dia. Do -= 79 mm
Dia. of Nut collar, Do= 90.4 mm
Thickness of collar = 32.72 mm
Arm of the Jack
The length of the arm = 2.1 m
The dia. of the arm = 43.57 mm
The Body of the Jack
Thickness of the body, 6 = 16.25 mm
Thickness of the base, 6 , = 32.5 mm
Inside dia. of base, D2= 260 mm
Outside dia. of base, D3= 32.5 mm
Height of the body H,= 380.1 mm
SAQ 2
(a) Mention industrial applications screw.
(b) Describe steps involved in designing screw.
(c) Draw the assembled view of screw jack designed in Example 5.4 of
Section 5.9.
Design of .\lechanical (d) For a screw of d l = 17 mm, p = 5 mm, d = 22 mm subjected to axial
Elements compression of 4000 N, calculate maximum shearing stress and bearing
pressure between threads of screw and nut. Calculate factor of safety in
compression of screw. shearing of screw and bearing pressure if
a,,= 320 N/mm2, r, = 21 2 ~ l m mmaximum
~, pressure = 12 ~ / m m ' .
Take p = 0.12. There are 5 threads in nut.
(e) Acme threaded screw rotating at 60 rpm pulls a broaching cutter through a
job. The tensile force in the screw is supported by a collar whose internal
and external diameters are respectively 60 mm and 90 mm. Coefficient of
friction for all contact surfaces is 0.1 5 and Acme thread angle is 30". The
requirement of the tool displacement demands that the pitch of the Acme
thread should be 10 mm and corresponding major screw diameter is 55 mm.
the power consumed by the machine is 0.39 kW, calculate the axial load
exerted upon the tool.

5.8 THREADED FASTENER

Apart from transmitting motion and power the thread members are also used for
fastening or jointing two elements. The threads used in power screw are square or Acme
while threads used in fastening screws have ifvee profile as shown in Figure 5.4(a).
Because of large transverse inclination the effective friction coefficient between the
screw and nut increases by equation j~'= when p is the basic coefficient of
cos 8
friction of the pair of screw and nut, 8 is the half of thread angle and p' is the effective
coefficient of friction. The wedging effect of transverse inclination of the thread surface
was explained in Section 5.4. According to IS : 1362-1962 the metric thread has a thread
angle of 60". The other proportions of thread profile are shown in Figure 5.17. IS : 1362
designates threads by M followed by a figure representing the major diameter, d. For
example a screw or bolt having the major diameter of 2.5 mm will be designated
as M,2.5.
The standard describes the major (also called nominal) diameter of the bolt and nut,
pitch, pitch diameter. minor or core diameter, depth of bolt thread and area resisting load
(Also called stress area). Pitch diameter in case of V-threads corresponds to mean
diameter in square or Acme thread. Figure 5.15 shows pitch diameter as d,. Inequality of
dmand d, is seen from Figure 5.17. Tables 5.3 and 5.4 describes V-thread dimensions
according to IS : 1362.

Figure 5.17 : Profiles of Fastener Threads on Screw (Bolt) and Nut

I)esiga 01'Xlechanical Wide variety of threaded fasteners are used in engineering practice. These are cylindrical
Elements
bars, which are threaded to screw into nuts or internally threaded holes. Figure 5.18
depicts three commonly used fasteners. A bolt has a head at one end of cyjindrical body.
The head is hexagonal in shape. The other end of the bolt is threaded. The bolt passes
through slightly larger holes in two parts and is rotated into hexagonal nut, which may sit
on a circular washer. The bolt is rotated into the nut by wrench on bolt head.
As shown in Figure 5.18Ca) the two parts are clamped between bolt head and nut.

Figure 5.18 :Three Types of Thrfaded Fasteners

A screw is another threaded fasteners with a head and threads on part of its cylindrical
body. However, the threads of the screw are threaded into an internally threaded hole as
shown in Figure 5.16(b). While tightening of joint between two parts by bolt occurs by
rotating either bolt or nut, the screw tightens the parts. through rotation of screw by a
wrench applied at its head. In case of screw the friction occurs between bolt head bottom
and surface of the part in contact, and between threads of screw and hole. In case of bolt
the friction occurs either at bolt head or at the nut. The wrench has to apply torque
against friction between the surface of part and bolt head or nut and in the threads of
contact. Both the bolt and screw are pulled and hence carry tensile force.
A stud is another threaded fastener which is threaded at both ends and does not have a
head. One of its end screws into threaded hole while the other threaded end receives nut.
It is shown in Figure 5.18(c).
The bolts are available as ready to use elements in the market. Depending upon
manufacturing method they are identified as black. semi finished or finished. The head in
black bolt is made by hot heading. The bearing surfaces of head or shank are machine
finished and threads are either cut or rolled. In semi finished bolts the head is made by
cold or hot heading. The bearing surfaces of head or shank are machine finished and
threads are either cut or rblled. A finished bolt is obtained by machining a bar of same
section as the head. The threads are cut on a turret lathe or automatic thread cutting
machine.
Besides hexagonal head the bolt or screw may have shapes as shown in Figure 5.19,
except the hexagonal and square head which are common in bolts, other forms are used
in machine screws. Those at (a) and (b) are tightened with wrench, the bolt or screw with
internal socket is rotated with a hexagonal key, at (c) and the screws carrying slits in the
head are rotated with screw driver.

Figure 5.19 :Heads ofiThreaded Fasteners; (a) Hexagonal; (b) Square; (c) Internal Socket;
(d) Circular with a Slit; (e) Button with Slit; (f) Counter Sunk with a Silt; (g) Plain with a Slit
 Design ul' Screws. .
5.9 FAILURE OF BOLTS AND SCREWS Fasteners and Power
Screws
The bolts and screws ]nay fail because of following reasons :
(a! Breaking of bolt shank
(b) Stripping of threads
(c) Crushing of threads
I (d) Bending of threads
1
Invariably when bolt is tightened it is subjected to tensile load along its axis. There may
be rare occasion, such as one shown in Figure 5.20 where bolt is pretentioned. The bolt
loading situations may be identified as :
(a) No initial tension, bolt loaded during operation.
(b) Only initial tension and no loading afterwards.
(c) After initial tension bolt is further loaded in tension during operation.
(d) In addition to loading initially bolt may be subjected to bending moment
andlor shearing forces.
(e) In eccentrically loaded bolted joint, the bolts are subjected to shearing stress
which is dominant. Initial tension is additional. We will analyze this
problem in riveted joint.
The reader must see that the core section in V-thread means the some thing as in case of
square thread. It is the core section, which carries the stress and is identified by core
diameter d,. This diameter can be seen in Figure 5.3(a) and in Figure 5.1 7. Tables 5.3
and 5.4 also describe the area of the core section under the heading of stress area. The
design equation for the bolt or screw is same as Eq. (5.14) with the difference that the
fastener will always be in tension. So, if the permissible tensile stress is o,,then

The wrench torque can be calculated with friction between threads and between bnl?
head and the washer. The former is specified as effective friction coefficient p, given by
Eq. (5.9) and latter is specified as p, with friction radius rfas described after Eq. (5.13).
Without going into analysis we give relationship between wrench torque, Mand W.

d o + d, ,the mean
Where d, is pitch diameter as shown in Figure 5.15 and dc = -
2
diameter of washer or the bolt head contact surface.

Figure 5.20 : A Bolt Carrying a Crane Hook is a Bolt without Initial Tension
Ijcsign of Mechnnicrl 5.9.1 Prestrained Bolt Subjected to External Axial Load
Elenlents
Depending upon type of application the tightened bolt will cause pre-compression of the
members jointed. Simultaneously the bolt would have increased in length. Further
application of tensile force on bolt will release compression from the parts jointed. This
is explained clearly in Figures 5.2I(a), (b) and (c). When untightened the length ofthe
bolt, I. between the bolt head and nut is equal to the thickness of the flanges between the
bolt head and the nut. When the bolt is tightened the length of the bolt changes to I + ah
and the thickness of flanges reduces to I + 6,, where corresponding to initial load W. 6h is
the extension in bolt and 6 , is the compression in flanges. Figure 5.19(d) shows the
load-deflection relationship for bolt and flanges. When additional tensile force wh acts
upon the bolt because the joint is subjected to external load the bolt further extends by
A 6hmaking total deflection of bolt as 6h+ A 6h. At the same time the compression of
flanges will be released, and its deformation will reduce by A 6, to 6 , - A At this
stage it is essential that 6, - A 6 , must be net compression of flanges, a situation, which
is shown in Figure 5.21(c). If 6, - A 6, becomes positive the joint will not remain tight.
When the load on the bolt has increased to w, + Wh,the load on the flanges has reduced
to W, + W",.
(a) bolt not tightened
(b) bolt tightened to initial load w,
(c) external load Wapplied upon the joint
(d) deflection in bolt and joint

(1) (b) (4
Force I

--.I
6
1
-
I-
A'5b
I-
Ah "3

(4
Figure 5.21

Following notations are used in the analysis :

W, = Initial load on the bolt,
W = External load applied upon the joint,
 V',, - Part of the load W taken by bolt, Design o f Screw a.
Fasteners and Powcr
W,,, = Part of the load W taken by jointed members, Screws

W,,
= Resultant load on bolt,

W,,
= Resultant load on jointed members,

k,,= Stiffness of the bolt (Nlmm), and

k,,, = Stiffness ofjointed members (Nlmm).
k From above description and Figure 5.21 (d)
I
I wo= wl+ wb . . . (i)
but wb = kb A ab
and W, = k,,,A 6,,
.. W = W, + R;,, = kb A Sb + k,,A 6,
Since A 6, = A 6,
W =A 6, (kh + k,,)

but

(ii)

Using Eqs. (ii) and (i)

Many times where calculation of kh and k,,,is not possible as first estimate following can
be used
W, = 2W . . . (5.24)
The calculation of the minor or core diameter of the thread then can be based upon the
equation

Apparently the load on the jointed members

(ii)

The joint will not remain leak proof when W o= 0 or

W,= W ---
km . . . (iii)
k, + km

Using Eq. (iii) in Eq. (5.23) the condition for break down of leak proof joint is
w, = w
Substituting this relation in Eq. (5.23), the condition of initial force in the bolt for a leak
proof joint can be obtained as
Design of .llrchnnical 5.9.2 Bolted Joint Subjected to Transverse Load
Elements
Figure 5.22 shows bolts used to connect the bearing to the foundation. The load P
coming upon the shafi is transmitted to the bearing as horizontal force and will have a
tendency to displace the bearing over the foundation. However, such a tendency is
opposed by the friction force F. The relative displacement between the bearing and
foundation will be eliminated if

Beanng

I Foundalion

Figure 5.22 : Transverse Loading on Bolts

If W is the force which exists in the bolt when it is tightened to make the joint and p is
the coefficient of friction between two surfaces then,

If n number of bolts are used in the foundation to make joint with the bearing, then

where W, is the initial tension in one bolt. Each bolt will have to be designed for a force
W, so that

5.9.3 Eccentric Load on Bolt

Depending upon the design requirement some times bolt with a jib head has to be
employed. One such example is shown in Figure 5.23 where the load Won the jib head
acts at A whose line of action is at a distance a from the bolt centre line. Two forces,
each equal to ,'F acting opposite to each other may be assumed to be acting along the
axis of the bolt. This results into a direct tension Wand a clockwise moment on the bolt.
The bolt is thus subjected to direct stress a, (tension) and bending stress o h (tension and
compression). It was explained in the beginning of Section 5.1 1 that the effective tensile
stress in the bolt will be 30% in excess of that calculated for tensile load W. This
magnitude is given by Eq. (5.21). The resultant tensile stress on bolt due to tensile load
Wand bending moment W, is calculated as
 Drsign of hcre\l>.
Fasteners atid I'owcr
Screws

4w
If rr = d l then the resultant tensile stress in the bolt is 9 times nominal stress of -
nd; '

I Figure 5.23

I
1L
5.10 STIFFNESS OF BOLTED MEMBERS
In Section 5.9.1 the deformations of bolt and members bolted under bolt load were
considered. Whereas the stiffness of a bolt is straightforward for calculations, the
stiffness of flanges cannot be directly calculated. The deflection of a bolt under an axial
load w is given by

where I and A are respectively length and stress cross-section of the bolt and E is the
modulus of elasticity of bolt material. There may be several members that are
compressed by tightening of bolt. For example if reference is made to Figure 5.1 9-it is
seen that two flanges and a gasket are the compressed members. In such a case the
combined stiffness of the compressed members is given by
1 - 1 1 1
- +-+- . . . (i)
k, k/l kf? kg
where k,,. kp are the stiffnesses of two flanges and k, is the stiffness of the gasket. When
gasket is used, its stiffness is much smaller than either of k,, and kp and hence
Eq. (i) can be effectively written as
1 - 1
- -- . . . (ii)
kt" kg

When gasket is not used. then k,, has to be determined which is difficult because the
actual volume of material of flanges bearing compression is not known exactly.
Experiments often come handy in determining k,,.
An approximate method of determining k,,, assumes that the pressure between the bolt
head or the washer spreads along a cone of 45". For one of the flaoges compressed under
bolt the frustum of cone along which the force of compression sprkads is shown on the
r~ght.The diameter of the washer is D, the thickness of the flange ,is t so that diameter of
the base of frustum of cone is D + 2t. For practical purposes it is qsumed that flange
deforms like the cone frustum as shown in Figure 5.24.
Design of Mechanical
Elements

Figure 5.24 :A Flange Compressed under Bolt Load. I t is Yroposcd that thc
Compression is Confined to the Frustum of n Cone

Choose an element of depth dx at a distance of x from the top face of frustum. The
diameter of the cone at this section is D + 2x. 'The area resisting the compression at this
section is
A = The area of cone section of diameter (d + 2x) -The area of bolt section of
diameter d l
X
= -[(D t 2X)2 - d 2 ]
4

Hence the deformatiqn (compression)of the element of length dx under the load W.

6=- ln (2r + D - d ) ( D + d )
xEdl (2t + D + d ) ( D - d , )

E in this case is the modulus of elasticity of the flange material. Normally D = 1.5 dl.
If t\iro similar flanges are conipressed against each other, then Design of Screws.
Fasteners and Po\\ cr
kf, = kf2 = k Screws

Using (iv) and Eq. (5.30) in (i) along with the fact that no gasket is used in which case
kLu =a,

5.1 1 PERMISSIBLE STRESSES IN BOLTS

Bolts are often made in steel having carbon percentage varying between 0.08 to 0.25.
Idowever. high quality bolts and particularly those of smaller diameter are made in alloy
steel and given treatment of quenching followed by tempering. Medium carbon steels
may also be improved in tensile strength by similar heat treatment. Since it is not always
possible to determine the wrench torque when bolts are fitted on shop floor, the initial
tightening torque often tends to be higher than necessary. 'This will obviously induce
higher stress in the bolt even without external load. Such stresses are particularly high in
case of smaller diameter bolt and reduce as the bolt diameter increases. This kind of
tightening stresses call for varying permissible stresses in case of bolt which are small
when bolt diameter is small and high when bolt diameter is large. This is unlike other
machine parts where trend of permissible stress is just the reverse. The correlation of
permissible stress and bolt diameter requires that the process of selection of diameter
will be reiterative. An empirical formula that correlates the permissible tensile stress. o,.
and bolt diameter at the stress section dl, IS given below

Eq. (5.32) is plotted in Figure 5.25 which can be used as an alternative to Eq. (5.32).
Both the Eq. (5.32) and Figure 5.25 are applicable to medium carbon steel bolts only

Figure 5.25 : Permissible Bolt Stress as Function o f M i n o r (Core) Diameter

for h.lediurn C a r b o n Steel Bolts

Example 5.5
A 100 KN cover of gear reducer is to be lifted by two eye bolts as shown in
Figure 5.24. Each bolt is equidistant from the centre of gravity and lies in the
central plane. The bolts are made in steel for which permissible tensile stress is
85 MPa. Find the nominal bolt diameter.
Solution
Figure 5.26(a) shows two eye bolts in the cover of a gear reducer. An eye bolt is
shown in Figure 5.26(b).
 7 Eye bolt -7,

L BearfingCover A
Figure 5.26(11) : A Gear Reducer with Two Eye Bolts in the Cover (the Upper Half of the Body)

Figure 5.26(b) :The Geometry o f the Eye Bolt

The eye bolt is another example of a bolt in which there is no initial tension.
Hence Eq. (5.2 1 ) is used. The weight of the cover will be equally divided between
two bolts since they are in central plane and equidistant from the centre of gravity.
Thus W = 50 kN.Use this value and a, = 85 MPa in Eq. (5.21)to obtain core
diameter, dl

From Table 5.4 the nearest higher diameter of thread core d, = 27.56 mm. The bolt
in tine series in designated as M 30 x 2 for which d = 30 mm, p = 2 mm, d l or
d, = 27.546, stress area = 621 mm2.

4w - W 50,000
(J=- -- = 80.5 MPa
nd; Stress area 62 1
Example 5.6 DCFI~IIof 4 1 1 . \.
~~
Fasteners and Poll o.
A pressure vessel used for storing gas at a pressure of 1.2 MPa is closed by a Scrcu *
cover tightened by a number of bolts. The diameter of the bolt circle is 480 mm
over a tank diameter of 400 mm. Calculate the diameter of each bolt and number
of bolts. Use relationship for per~nissiblestress, a,= 5.375 (dl)Ow4.
Solution
This problem represents the example of pre-stressed bolt which will further be
subjected to tension when vessel is pressurised. Eq. (5.24) describes the force
acting axially on the bolt as

where W is the force acting upon the pre-stressed bolt. This force is because of the
gas pressure. If the dia. of the pressure vessel is D,, then total force that pushes the
cover out is

The joint between the cover plate and the pressure vessel is shown in Figure 5.27.
Let there be n bolts. So that the force acting on one bolt due to pressure

Figure 5.27 : Pressure Vessel Cover and Fastening Dolts

We make a small assumption which is a common practice that distance between

the centres of two adjacent bolts should be 4dl.

n x 4dl = sr Dl= Circumference of the bolt circle

and since DI = 480 inln

Ijcs~gnof hlcchrnicrl But the permissible stress in the bolt is 5.375 (d1)On4
Eleme~~ts

From Table 5.4. the nearest core diameter d,. or dl is 18.16 mm for M 20 x 1.5 bolt
with stress area of 272 mm2.
Now permissible stress = 5.375 (1 8.16)"" = 6 1.4 MPa. . . . (ii)
801 x 18.16
Working stress. o, = w0 -
-
Stress area 272

or cs, = 53.5 MPa . . . (iiij

n=- - 480 = 20.76 say 21 . . . (iv)

4dl 4 x 18.16

Thus 21 bolts - M 2 0 x 1.5 distributed uniformly over circle of 480 mm dia.

M 20 x 1.5 bolt dimensions are, d = 20 mm, d l = 18.16 mm, P = 1.5 mm.
SAQ 3
(a) Sketch standard V-thread on screw and mention different dimension.
(b) Mention three Iypes of threaded fasteners, and different head shapes that are
used on threaded fasteners.
(c) In how many ways a bolt is loaded in practice? Explain by the help of
diagram how do the strains in the bolt and joint flanges vary in a
pre-strained bolted joint.
(d) An M20 job headed bolt has a jib. which extends to 19.75 mm from the bolt
axis but the centre of pressure where jib reaction acts is at a distance of
15mm from the bolt axis. To what axial load the bolt must be tightened so
that stress does not exceed 5.375
(e) The cover of a cast iron pressure vessel shown in Figure 5.28 is held in
place by 10 Mil2 steel bolts having initial tightening load of 22 kN when
the vessel is at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. If the pressure
is increased to 1.4 MPa, calculate force in each bolt. Modulus of elasticity,
steel = 207 GPa. C.1 = 83 GPa. Zinc = 28 GPa. Zinc gasket is placed
between C.l flanges.

5.12 SUMMARY
A screw and a nut form a pair in which one moves relative to other and combination can
transmit force from one point to other. This is the cause of transmission of power. The
screw translates by rotating through stationary nut, the nut translates on the length of a
screw rotating between two fixed supports or the screw can translate without rotation if
the nut rotates in its position supported by bearings on to sides. In each case a force acts
axially on translating elemant and thus the power is transmitted.
The relat~onsh~p hellwen lorcc required to move nut on the threads of the screw and the I)c\~gnof Strcrr r.
axla1 force IS derivcd from similar situation of'a Inass moving up an inclined plane. The Fasteners and Po~vcr
Screw b
screw-nut combination may be used for lifting a load or moving a body like tool through
ajob or applying force on a stationary object. For force transmission the threads in screw
and nut are square or trapezoidal In section in which friction is relatively less than in
case of V-threads in which case the two sides of thread are inclined at a higher angle
than even the trapezium. Thc V-threads provide jamming force where by they can be
used for tightening two ilanges. The V-threads screw is used as fastener.

For designing the screw the colnpresslve strcss caused by axial compression is used for
determining the corc diameter, wti~chis the diameter of cylinder on which thread is
present as projection. This cylinder is also subjected to a torque due to friction between
threads of screw and nut. Thc direct compressive and tensional shearing stress combine
to give maximum shearing strcss in the core cylinder. The diameter which is obtained
from consideration of co~npressivestress is checked for maximum shearing stress. If
maximi~~n shearing stress is less than permissible shearing stress then the threaded screw
and nut are safe. The pitch of thread and the outside diameter which core diameter plus
the pitch are decided from core diameter or standard may be consulted to find major
diameters and pitch. The number of threads on the nut which is essential number of
threads to make contact between screw and nut is determined from pressure between
threads in contact. Apparently the axial force on the screw is sum of the bearing force on
all the threads in contact.
The fastening screws are required to move in a nut or threaded hole pressing two parts
between the under side of the head on one side and a nut or the threads on the hole on
the other side. The bolts have nuts to rotate on threaded part whereas screws rotate in the
threads made in the part ofjoining flanges. The fastening bolt may be prestrained in the
joint or left without any pretension where bolts do not make a joint like carrying a crane
hook. In case of prestrained bolts the tension in bolt will increase to as much as twice the
initial tension before the contact surfaces of the joint may begin to separate. Determining
the torque required to tighten the screw or bolt in the joint may be achjeved by
establishing the initial tension in the bolt screw.

The bolts and screws are available in the market as ready to use element. They are made
in steel with varying carbon content heads made with cold or hot heading and threads cut
on machines of rolled. The head is hexagonal square or with a socket in the rollnc! ?..;ad.
A finished bolt is machined from hexagonal, square or circular bar leaving a head of
same shape as original sectiorr.

5.13 KEY WORDS

Screw : A screw is a cylinder on whose surface helical
projection is created in form of thread.

Square Thread : A square thread is formed if the generating plane

section is square.
Acme Thread : The vee thread is created by a triangular section
while trapezoidal thread has a trapezium section.
This thread is also known as the Acme thread.

Pitch : The distance measured axially. between

corresponding points on the consecutive thread
forms in the same axial plane and on the same side
of axis is known as pitch length.

Lead : It is axial distance a screw thread advances.in one

revolution.
Ilesign o f Mechanical Overhauling of Screw : If the coefficient of friction between the nut and
k:lemcnts
screw is small or the lead is large, the axial load
may be sufficient to turn the nut, and the load will
start moving downward without the application of
any torque. Such a condition is known as
overhauling of screws.

5.14 ANSWER TO SAQs

SAQ 1

(d) Screw-square threads, d., = 50 mm, p =10 mm, kt = 0.1.

W =(W, + 100)N
Torque about the axis is

M , = 280 (1000 + 50) = 2.8 x 1.05 x 10' Nmm

Figure 5.28

This torque is equal to friction torque in the threads which is given by

P x -dm
2
where P = W tan (a+ 4)

I$ = tan-' p = tan-' 0. I = 5.71'

tan (a+ 4 ) =tan (3.64 + 5.71) = tan 9.35 = 0.165

SAQ 2 Design of Screws.
Frstencrs and Power
(d) Screwwithdl=17mm,p=5mm.d=22mm.p=0.12.W=4000N Screws

M, =W
d",
tan ( a + 4) -
2

a = tan-' - P = tan - 1 - 5 = 0.0816 4.6660

x dl7I x x 19.5
4 = tan-' 0.12 = 6.843'
19.5
M , = 4000 tan (4.666 + 6 + 8.43) x -= 4000 x 0.2036 x 9.75
2
= 7940.4 Nlnm

n 5
Bearing area = nrcd,),r = - xd,, p = - x rc x 19.5 x 5 = 765.76
2 2

:. Bearing pressure = -4000 = 5.22 ~ l m m '

765.76
So Factors of safety are calculated for direct stress, shearing stress and
bearing pressure.
o 320
I;S in direct stress = 2 = -= 18.16
o 17.62
T 212
I 3 in shear = - -=
- 17.6
T,,,, 12.05
12
FS in bearing pressure = -= 2.3
5.22
(e) p=0.15,28=30,p=lOmm,d=551nin
d , , , = d - p = 5 5 - lO=45mm
0.15 - 0.15
p = 0.15, p' =- - -= 0.1533
cos 8 cos 15

d , + do - 60 + 90
Collar friction surface d, = - --=75mm
2 2
p, =0.15
The torque due to collar friction.
d
M,, = p, W 2 = 0.1 5 W 37.5 = 5.625 W Nmm
2

a = tan-' -P = tan -1 - 5 = tan-' 0.0354 = 2.03'

"dm x x 45
Ijcstgn of Mechanical
Elemt~~ts
0'= tan-' p' = tan-' 0.1 553 = 8.83'

tan ( a + 4') = tan (2.03 + 8.83) = tan 10.86 = 0.192

Torque to create a pull of W in screw,
d
M, = W tan ( a + $ ) = > = W ~ 0 . 1 9 22.5
2 ~ =4.32 W Nlnm
2
Total torque to be applied on screw
M = M, + M , = (5.625 + 4.32) W = 9.945 W Nmm
2xN 2x x 600
The power, H = p o = M x -= 9.945 W = 1o - Watt
~
60 60
= 624.863 W x Watt
= 0.37 x I000

The axial pull exerted by the screw is 592 N.

SAQ 3
(d) D = 20 mm and from Table 5 . 3 , =
~ 2.5 mm, d l = 16.933 mm
Stress area = 245 mm2
The permissible stress = 5.375 (16.933)"~ = 57.9 ~ l m m '

oY =
xdf
a),
With eccentricity a = 15 mm, the sum of direct and bending stress in bolt

(1.3 + 8 where W = initial tension in bolt.

The consultant tensile stress o,must equal the permissible tensile stress
0.037 W = 57.9

b-~~r1m-4- I-
ZooR

Figure 5.29 : Vessel Cover in (e) Zinc Gasket is used between C I Flanges of Cover and Vessel
 1)esi~11of S c r w \.
Fasteners and Power
Scrcwb

Area of flange. D = 400 rnm. D l = 400 + 150 = 550 mm

A/ = 11.2 x lo3 mm'

Area of flange per bolt = -
10
This area is reduced by hole whose area can be taken as the area of cross
section of the bolt. Thus the effective or actual area of flange and also of
zinc gasket per bolt

Stiffness in N/mm will be calculated for steel bolt, CI flanges and zinc
gasket. Stiffness of bolt

From Table 5.3 for M 12 bolt, p = 175. d l = 9.858, A = 84 mm2.

E=207x 1 0 ~ ~ / m m ~ 1 = 2 ~ 2 5 t 5 6 . 4 m i n .

For calculating stiffness of flanges Eq. (5.29) is used with

E = 83000 ~ / n ~ m ~

r = 25 mm. D = 2d = 24 mm. (no washer is used. d = 12 mm)

:. 2t+D-d=50+24-12=62mm D+d=24+12=361nm
21+D+d=50+24+12=86mm D-d=24-12=12m1n

The combined stiffness of two flanges,

The bottom of frustum of cone (assumed deformed material)

(see Figure 5.24) will have a diameter of D + 2t = 24 + 50 = 74 mrn.
Thus gasket will be compressed between two such frustra of cone.
The area of disc of the gasket between two frusta of cone
X
A, = - (74' - 1 2 ~=)41 8'7.7 mrn"
4
Design o f Mcchvnical Stiffness of gasket,
Eleniel~ts

Combined stiffness of flange and gasket, K,,, is given by

.. k, = 18.69 x 10' Nlmm

The force applied on cover due to pressure

P = W = 17.6 x 10' N
The force on each bolt = -
10

The initial force, W, = 22 x 10' N

Hence final load on the bolt from Eq. (5.23)