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Experimental assessment of fatigue life and fracture modes in MTS-based bolted joints
Railway Sciences 2025, 4(4): 464-474
Published: 01 August 2025
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Purpose

This study aims to investigate the fatigue behavior and failure modes of bolted lap joints using Modified Tensile Specimens (MTS) under various cyclic load conditions. Emphasis is placed on identifying the relationship between load amplitude, fatigue life, and damage progression in low-carbon steel assemblies.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental approach was adopted using MTS specimens fabricated from St 12 03 cold-rolled steel, joined with Grade 8.8 M4 bolts. Cyclic fatigue tests were conducted under zero-based loading at seven distinct force levels. Fracture surfaces were visually analyzed to identify dominant failure mechanisms.

Findings

The results revealed a strong inverse correlation between applied cyclic load and fatigue life. Three distinct failure modes were identified: bolt shear at high loads (5.4 kN), interface cracking and slippage at moderate loads (4.9–5.1 kN), and plate tearing or stable fatigue behavior at lower loads (=4.1 kN). The results highlight a progressive transition in failure mechanisms, from bolt shear at high loads to plate tearing and interface cracking at lower loads, providing essential insights for fatigue-resistant bolted joint design.

Originality/value

This study offers original insights into the fatigue behavior of bolted lap joints using MTS, a relatively underexplored configuration in fatigue assessment. By experimentally evaluating failure modes under varied cyclic load levels, the authors uncover critical transitions in damage mechanisms—from bolt shear to interface cracking and plate tearing—depending on the applied load. Unlike many existing studies focused on numerical modeling or bonded joints alone, this work provides empirical data rooted in real-world fastening conditions using cold-rolled low-carbon steel.

Open Access Article Issue
Hybrid Framework for Structural Analysis: Integrating Topology Optimization, Adjacent Element Temperature-Driven Pre-Stress, and Greedy Algorithms
Computers, Materials & Continua 2025, 84(1): 243-264
Published: 09 June 2025
Abstract PDF (2.2 MB) Collect
Downloads:83

This study presents a novel hybrid topology optimization and mold design framework that integrates process fitting, runner system optimization, and structural analysis to significantly enhance the performance of injection-molded parts. At its core, the framework employs a greedy algorithm that generates runner systems based on adjacency and shortest path principles, leading to improvements in both mechanical strength and material efficiency. The design optimization is validated through a series of rigorous experimental tests, including three-point bending and torsion tests performed on key-socket frames, ensuring that the optimized designs meet practical performance requirements. A critical innovation of the framework is the development of the Adjacent Element Temperature-Driven Prestress Algorithm (AETDPA), which refines the prediction of mechanical failure and strength fitting. This algorithm has been shown to deliver mesh-independent accuracy, thereby enhancing the reliability of simulation results across various design iterations. The framework’s adaptability is further demonstrated by its ability to adjust optimization methods based on the unique geometry of each part, thus accelerating the overall design process while ensuring structural integrity. In addition to its immediate applications in injection molding, the study explores the potential extension of this framework to metal additive manufacturing, opening new avenues for its use in advanced manufacturing technologies. Numerical simulations, including finite element analysis, support the experimental findings and confirm that the optimized designs provide a balanced combination of strength, durability, and efficiency. Furthermore, the integration challenges with existing injection molding practices are addressed, underscoring the framework’s scalability and industrial relevance. Overall, this hybrid topology optimization framework offers a computationally efficient and robust solution for advanced manufacturing applications, promising significant improvements in design efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and product performance. Future work will focus on further enhancing algorithm robustness and exploring additional applications across diverse manufacturing processes.

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