Bolted joint analysis of a locomotive axle mounted disc brake.

In a locomotive, disc brakes are axle mounted by means of its hub coupled with the axle over bolted joints. These disc brakes are coupled in bolted joints, which transfer the load from axle to disc brake through the bolts and nuts. The analysis of heavy duty bolted joint with suitable material standard is the determination of this article. The preload calculation of the bolts used for brake disc coupling is made for different classes of standard material and indorsed through conservative values. The stress that developed in bolt during braking operation of rail which should be within the allowable limit. The design calculations are performed for the maximum torque and appropriate preload is selected as per standard. The analytical calculation includes the two types of forces transmission in disc brake coupling where preload stress, elongation, load on each bolt, shear stress and compressive stress are evaluated. This calculation is validated against the finite element analysis of bolted joint coupling. In accordance with the results from FEA and analytical calculation the stresses on the bolt during application of brake is much less than the ultimate strength and has high factor of safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]