Ultrasonic Measurement and Monitoring of Loads in Bolts used in Structural Joints

The paper is an overview of work by the author in measuring and monitoring loads in bolts using an ultrasonic extensometer. A number of cases of bolted joints are covered. These include, a clamped joint with clearance fit between the bolt and hole, a clamped joint with the bolt in an interference fit with the hole, a flanged joint which allows the flange and bolt to bend; and a shear joint in a clevis and tang configuration. These applications were initially developed for measuring and monitoring preload in the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter critical joints but are also applicable for monitoring loads in other critical bolted joints of structures such as transportation bridges and other aerospace structures. The paper explains how to set‐up a model to estimate the load factor and accuracy for the ultrasonic preload application in a clamped joint with clearance fit. The ultrasonic preload application for clamped joint with bolt in an interference fit can also be used to measure diametrical interference between the bolt shank and hole; and interference pressure on the bolt shank. Model and experimental data are given to demonstrate use of ultrasonic measurements in a shear joint. A bolt in a flanged joint experiences both tensile and bending loads. This application involves measurement of bending and tensile preload in a bolt. The ultrasonic beam bends due to the bending load on the bolt. A numerical technique to compute the trace of ultrasonic ray is presented.