THREADED MEMBERS

BOLTS AND SCREW

Bolts and screws are cylindrical member with continuous spiral rib, known as threads and used as
fasteners which hold parts of machine member that requires easy dismantling. Generally, bolts are
designed to be used in combination with a nut, while screws are used without nuts.

Types of Threads

1. Square Thread

2. ACME thread

3. V thread

4. Buttress thread
DEFINITIONS:

Major diameter or outside diameter– the diameter of the imaginary cylinder that bounds
the crests of an external thread or the roots of an
internal thread.
Minor diameter or outside diameter– the diameter of the imaginary cylinder that bounds
the roots of an external thread or the crests of an
internal thread.
Nominal major diameter – the size of the screw
Pitch – the axial distance from a point on a screw thread to a corresponding point on the
adjacent thread

Thread Series

1. Course thread Series (UNC or NC)

In this series of pitch is relatively large. This series is used for general fastening
applications.
2. Fine-thread Series (UNF or NF)
In this series, the pitch is smaller (there are more threads per inch) than in the course -
thread series (UNC or NC). This series is used where finer thread is needed, as in
automobiles, pumps, compressors and aircraft works.
3. Extra-fine-thread Series (UNEF or NEF)
In this series, the pitch is even smaller than in the fine-thread series (UNF or NF). This
series is used where the thread depth must be very small, as on aeronautical
equipment.
Reading a Thread Notes

1. 1 1/4 – 7 UNC – A
Meaning: 1-¼” diameter, 7 threads per inch, Unified thread series, class 1 fit, external
threads. Class 1 fit is screw threads with loose fit (large allowance) tolerances.

2. 7/8 – 14 UNF – 2B
Meaning: 7/8” diameter, 14 threads per inch, Fine thread series, class 2 fit, internal
threads. Class 2 Fit is screw threads used for general purposes.

3. 1 5/8 – 18 UNEF – 3B – LH
Meaning: 1-5/8” diameter, 18 threads per inch, Extra-fine-thread series,. Class 3 fit,
internal threads, left hand threads. Class 3 fit is screw thread that has tighter fitting and
stricter standards for tolerances.

Useful formula for bolts from Design of Machine Members by Valance:

1. Tensile Stress

Sw = C (Ar ) 0.418

Fa = C (Ar ) 1.418

Where: Sw = permissible working stress, psi

Fa = applied load, lb

Ar = stress area, ln2

C = 5000 for carbon steel and 15000 for alloy steel

2. Depth of tap

1.50D for cast iron

1.25D for steel
Where: D = nominal diameter

3. Initial applied torque

T = 0.2Fa

T = torque, in − lb
Useful formula for bolts from Design of Machine Elements 4th Edition by Faires:

1. Tensile Stress

Sy
Sd = (As ) 0.50
6

Sy
Fe = (As ) 1.50
6

Where: Sd = design tensile stress, psi

Fe = applied tensile load, lb
As = stress area, ln2

2. Depth of tap

1.50D for cast iron

1.0D for steel and wrought iron
Where: D = nominal diameter
3. Initial applied torque

T = CDFi

C = torque coefficient
C = 0.20 for as received
= 0.15 for lubricated
Fi = initial tension, lb
T = torque, in-lb

Working Strength of Bolt from Machineries Handbook:

W = St (0.55D 2 − 0.25D)

Where: W = working strength, lbs

St = allowable working stress, psi

D = nominal diameter, in

Power or Torque Transmitted by a Single Set-screw

DNd2.3
P= or T = 1250Dd3.3
50

Where: P = horsepower transmitted, in hp

 T = torque, in-lbs

D = shaft diameter, in

N = speed, rpm

d = set-screw diameter

Example:

A 13 cm x 18 cm air compressor is operating at a peak pressure of 12 kg/cm 2. There are 6 bolts which
held the cylinder to the compressor and the area of core gasket is 55 cm 2 . If the pressure in the flange is
110 kg/cm2, find the following:

(a) Size of the UNF bolts, in inches. The yield stress of the bolts is 4600 kg/cm 2 .
(b) Torque applied on the bolt, in N-mm

SOLUTION:

(a) Solving for the size of the UNF bolts, in inches

For the force of the cylinder head;

kg π
FT = PA = (12 ) (13 cm) 2 = 1592.7875 kg
cm2 4

The force per bolt;

FT 1592.7875
F= = = 256.4646 kg
No.of Bolts 6

For the stress area As;

Sy
Fe = (As ) 1.50
6

2.2 lbs
Fe = (256.4646 kg) ( ) = 564.2221 lbs
1 kg
 kg 2.2 lbs 2.54 cm 2
Sy = (4600 )( )( ) = 65290.1920 psi
cm2 1 kg 1 in

lb
65290.1920
in2
564.2221 lbs = (As ) 1.50
6

As = 0.1390 in2

From Table AT 14 Unified and American Screw Threads – Coarse and Fine, page 588 (Design of Machine
Elements 4th Edition by Virgil Morning Faires)

Standard Size of UNF bolt = ½-in

 (b) Torque applied on the bolt, in N-mm

Initial applied torque

T = CDFi

C = 0.20 for as received

Fi = initial tension
kg
(110 )(55cm2)
cm2
Fi = = 1008.3333 kg
6

1 2.54 cm
T = 0.20 ( in) ( ) (1008.3333 kg)
2 1 in

9.81 N 10 mm
T = (256.1167 kg − cm) ( )( )
1 kg 1 cm

T = 25125.0483 N − mm

Example:

A manhole cover with a diameter of 500 mm is used for a gas storage tank. It is to be held by 26 stud
bolts and the pressure inside the storage tank is to be maintained at 15 kg per sq. cm. Calculate the size
of the stud bolts to be used if the load will be proportionally carried by each bolts.

SOLUTION:

Solving for the total force exerted on the manhole cover:

kg π
FT = (Pressure)(Area) = (15 ) (50 cm)2
cm2 4

2.2 lbs
FT = (29,452.4311 kgs) ( ) = 64,795.3485 lbs
1 kg

Solving for the load carried by each bolt:

 FT 64,795.3485 lbs
F= = = 2,492.1288 lbs
No.of bolts 26

From;

Fa = C (Ar ) 1.418

Where: Fa = applied load, lb

Ar = stress area, in2

C = 5000 carbon steel

2,492.1288 lbs = (5000)(Ar ) 1.418

Ar = 0.6120 in2

Referring to Table 6-1, Unified and American National threads, coarse, fine and extra-fine series, page
130 of Design Machine Members 4th Edition by Venton Levy Doughtie and Alex Vallance, the next higher
stress area is 0.763 in2 with diameter of 1-1/8 inches, therefore:

Size (diameter) of bolt is 1-1/8 inches

POWER SCREW

Power screws are a translation screws that are used to transfer power and motion in smooth
and uniform manner. Power screws are generally Acme, square or buttress threads.

SQUARE THREAD:

P = pitch, is the distance between adjacent threads, in

1
P = thread
⁄inch

Dm = mean diameter (pitch diameter)

Dm = D o − h
 𝐷𝑜 + 𝐷𝑖
Dm =
2

Di = inside diameter

ri = inside radius

Do = outside diameter

R o = outside radius

h = height of thread
1
h= p
2

Lead, L = mP =axial distance traveled by a thread or nut per revolution. m is the multiplicity of
thread.
L = P (for single thread)

L = 2P (for double thread)

L = 3P (for triple thread)

If the number of thread is not given, assume it to be single thread.

Lead angle:
L
α = tan−1
πDm

Torque Required to Overcome Friction

(a) For Raising the Load

 Q = R sin (α + ϕ)

W = R cos(α + ϕ)

Q
= tan(α + ϕ) (1)
W

Dm
T = Qrm = Q (2)
2

Substitute (2) to (1)

2T
= W tan(α̇ + ϕ)
Dm
Hence;

Dm WDm( tan α+f)

T=W tan(α + ϕ) or T =
2 2( 1−ftan α)
T = torque required to raise W
ϕ =friction angle = tan−1 𝑓
𝑓 = coefficient of friction

If frictionless, 𝑓 = 0 =tan ϕ

Dm
T=W tan (α)
2

(b) For lowering the load

Q = R sin (α − ϕ)
 W = R(α − ϕ)
Q
= tan(α − ϕ) (1)
W

Dm
T = Qrm = Q (2)
2

Substitute (2) to (1)

2T
= W tan(α − ϕ)
Dm

Hence;
Dm
T=W tan(α − ϕ)
2

Note: for lowering of load, the screw must be self-locking, ϕ > α.

Friction angle, ϕ

ϕ = tan −1 f

Coefficient of friction of power screws:

f = 0.10 for smooth and well lubricated thread surfaces

f = 0.125 for materials and workmanship of average quality

f = 0.15 for doubtful workmanship

Torque required to move without friction

Dm
T′ = W tan α
2

Torque required to overcome collar friction

Dc
Tc = W fc
2

Where: f c = coefficient of collar friction

Dc = collar mean diameter

Do+Di
Dc =
2
 Torque required to overcome thread and collar friction

TT = T + Tc

Efficiency of the screw

T′
ε= = 100%
T

Combined efficiency (Screw and collar)

T′
ε= = 100%
TT

tan α( 1−f tanα)

ε= f D ∗ 100%
tan α+f+[ c c]( 1−f tanα)
Dm

Power Input
2πTT N
P=
60

For Square thread: f c = 0

tan α(1 − f tan α)

ε= ∗ 100%
tan α + f

Example:

A single square thread power screw is used to lift a load of 80 kN. The major diameter of the screw is 40
mm, the collar friction diameter is 90 mm and a pitch of 5 mm. If the coefficient of the thread and collar
friction is 0.15 and 0.11, respectively, calculate the following:

(a) The power input needed to turn the screw at 1 rev per second
(b) The combined efficiency of screw and collar.

SOLUTION:
 (a) Solving for the power input requirement:

2πTT N
P=
60

Solving for the torque required to overcome thread and collar friction:

TT = T + Tc

Solving for the torque required to raise the load:

Dm
T=W tan(α + ϕ)
2

Mean diameter:

Dm = Do − h
1
Dm = Do − p
2

1
Dm = 40 mm − (6 mm)
2

Dm = 37 mm

Lead angle:
L 5 mm
α = tan−1 = tan−1
πDm π ( 37 mm)

𝛼 = 2.4631°

Friction angle:

ϕ = tan −1 f = tan−1 (0.15)

ϕ = 8.5308°

Substituting:
( 0.037 m)
T = (80,000 N) tan(2.4631° + 8.5308°)
2

T = 287.5194 N − m

Solving for the torque required to overcome collar friction

Dc
Tc = W fc
2
 ( 0.090 m)
Tc = (80,000 N) (0.11)
2

Tc = 396 N − m

Total torque;

TT = (287.5194 + 396) N − m

TT = 683.5194 N − m

Hence;

rev
P = 2π(683.5194 N − m) (1 )
sec

P = 4,294.6791 Watts

(b) Solving for the combined efficiency of screw and collar

tan α ( 1−f tan α)

ε= f D ∗ 100%
tan α+f+[ c c]( 1−ftan α)
Dm

tan 2.4631° [1−( 0.15) tan 2.4631° ]

ε= ( 0.11)( 0.090 m) ∗ 100%
tan 2.4631°+[ ][1−(0.15) tan 2.4631° ]
0.037 m

𝜀 = 9.31%

Example:

A square threaded power screw has an efficiency of 70% when raising a load. The pitch diameter of the
screw is 75 mm and the coefficient of thread friction is 0.10 with negligible collar friction. Uniform
velocity is maintained when lowering the load by using a break mounted on the screw. What torque
must be exerted by the break if the load is 100 kN?

SOLUTION:

Solving the torque required to lower the load:

Dm
T=W tan(α − ϕ)
2

Solving for the lead friction angle, ϕ:

ϕ = tan −1 f = tan−1 (0.10) = 5.7106°

Solving for the lead angle, α :

tan α ( 1−f tan α)

ε= f D ∗ 100%
tan α+f+[ c c]( 1−ftan α)
Dm

tan α ( 1−f tan α)

ε= ∗ 100%
tan α+f

tan α ( 1−0.10 f tan α)

0.7 =
tan α+0.10

𝛼 = 14.3061°

Or refer to figure 6-18, Efficiency of square threads not including thrust collars, page 147 Design of
Machine Members 4th Edition by Venton Levy Doughtie and Alex Vallance.

Hence;
( 0.075 m)
T = (100,000 N) tan(14.3061° − 5.7106°)
2

T = 566.8329 N − m

Example:

A square single thread jackscrew is used to lift a load of 18 tons. The coefficient of friction between the
threads of the screw and base is 0.18, and between the screw and the collar is 0.12. The friction radius
of the collar is 1.2 inches. Compute:

(a) The root diameter of the screw. Let the allowable stress in compression to be 6,500 psi.
(b) The pull necessary at the end of 4 ft bar in order to raise the load
(c) The efficiency of the screw and the collar

SOLUTION:

(a) Solving for the root diameter of the screw

F
Sc =
A

lb ( 18 tons)(200 lbs)
1 ton
6,500 2
= π 2
in D
4 i
 Di = 2.6555 in

From Table 16-2 Sellers standard-square threads, page 132 of Design Members 4th
Edition by Venton Levy and Alex Vallance

Di = 2.750 in

(b) Solving for the pull necessary at the end of 4 ft bar in order to raise the load

For the pitch, P;

1 1
P = thread = in
⁄inch 2

For the major diameter, Do;

1
Do = Di + 2h ; h = P = 0.25 in
2

Do = 2.75 in + 2(0.25 in) = 3.25 in

For the mean diameter, Dm;

Do+Di ( 3.25+2.75) in
Dm = = = 3 in
2 2

For the lead angle, ;

L = P for single thread

L 0.5 in
α = tan−1 = tan−1 = 3.0368°
πDm π ( 3 in)

For friction angle, ϕ

ϕ = tan −1 f = tan−1 0.18 = 10.2040°

For the torque required to overcome thread friction,

Dm
T=W tan(α + ϕ)
2

3 in
T = (36,000 lbs) ( ) tan(3.0368° + 10.2040°)
2

T = 12,706.1609 in − lbs
 For the torque required to overcome collar friction,

Dc
Tc = W fc
2

2.4 in
Tc = (36,000 lbs) ( ) (0.12)
2

Tc = 5,184 in − lbs

Torque required to overcome thread and collar friction;

TT = T + TC

TT = (12,706.1609 + 5,184) in − lbs

TT = (17,890.1609)in − lbs

Hence, pull the necessary at the end of 4 ft bar in order to raise the load

TT = F . d
12 in
17,890.1609 in − lbs = F(4 ft) ( )
1 ft

F = 372.7117 lbs

(c) Solving for the efficiency of the screw and the collar;

tan α( 1−f tanα)

ε= f D ∗ 100%
tan α+f+[ c c]( 1−f tanα)
Dm

tan 3.0368° [1−( 0.18) tan3.0368° ]

ε= 0.12(2.4 in) ∗ 100%
tan 3.0368°+0.18+[ ][1−( 0.18) tan 3.0368°]
3 in

ε = 16.01%

ACME THREAD:
Normal angle, ϕ
29°
ϕ̀ = = 14.5° for single thread and double thread
2

ϕ̀ = 29° for triple thread

(a) For raising the load

Dm 𝑐𝑜𝑠ϕ̀ tan α+f

T=W [ ]
2 cosϕ̀−f tan α

(b) For lowering the load

Dm 𝑐𝑜𝑠ϕ tan α−f
T=W [ ]
2 cosϕ+ftan α

(c) Combined efficiency for thread and collar for Acme Thread (ϕ̀ = 14.5°)

tan α(cosϕ̀−f sinα)

ε= f D ∗ 100%
tan αcosϕ̀+fcosα+[ c c](cos ϕ̀ − f sinα)
Dm

Example:

Calculate the power requirement in kW of a double ACME thread screw driven by a 450 rpm motor to
raise a 10 kN load at a speed of 13 m/min. The coefficient of friction is 0.12, mean diameter of 34.0 mm,
and the friction torque in the thrust bearing of the motor is 18% of the total torque input.

SOLUTION:

Power requirement, P:
2πTT N
P=
60

Torque required to overcome thread and collar friction

TT = T + Tc

TT = T + 0.18 TT

TT = 1.2195 T
Torque for raising load, T:
tanϕ
Dm tan α+
T=W [ cos θ
tanϕ ]
2 1−tan α( )
cos θ

θ = 14.5°for double thread

axial distance traveled by thread 13 m/min
L= =
revolution 450 rpm

L = 0.02889 m

Lead angle;
L 0.02889 m
α = tan−1 = = 15.1341°
πDm π( 0.034 m)

Friction angle, ϕ

ϕ = tan −1 f = tan−1 (0.12) = 6.8428°

Substituting;
tan6.8428°
0.034 m tan15.1341°+
T = (10,000 N) [ cos14.5°
tan 6.8428° ]
2 1−tan 15.1341° ( )
cos 14.5°

T = 69.37 N − m

Solving for the total torque requirement:

TT = 1.2195 (69.37 N − m) = 84.6028 N − m

Hence;

2πTT N 2π ( 0.0846028 kN−m)( 450 rpm)

P= =
60 60

P = 3.9868 kW

USING LEVER ARM: Efficiency, 𝛆

𝑊𝑃
ε=
2𝜋𝑙𝐹
Where: W = weight or load
P = pitch
L = length of arm
F= applied force
USING POWER OF MOTOR;
𝑊𝑉𝑛𝑢𝑡
ε=
𝑊𝑏
𝑊 =load
𝑉𝑛𝑢𝑡 =velocity of the nut = PN
𝑊𝑏 = motor power
P = pitch
N= Angular speed