BOLTCALC
Bolted Joint Analysis Software
The BOLTCALC program completes an analysis of a bolted joint by considering the forces acting upon a single bolt. The program will allow for variations in the bolt clamp force (or preload) due to the tightening method and embedding due to plastic deformation in the joint faces, thread and under the nut.
The program will determine whether you have sufficient clamp force to prevent joint movement and subsequent bolt loosening, whether the bolt will be overloaded, whether the bolt will sustain fatigue issues, thread stripping and whether the surface pressure on the joint is excessive. The program can be used for design purposes or in failure analysis.
BOLTCALC Features
1. The "Big Five" Failure Analysis
The program diagnoses five critical failure modes: insufficient clamp force, bolt overloading, fatigue failure, excessive bearing pressure (crushing), and thread stripping.
2. Intelligent Auto-Population
Once a bolt diameter is entered, the software automatically retrieves standard thread pitches and fastener dimensions from its database to minimize manual entry errors.
3. Tightening & Friction Intelligence
Includes a built-in library of friction values for various materials and coatings and accounts for torque scatter, determining the minimum reliable preload based on the chosen tightening method.
4. Real-World Embedding Calculation
It predicts preload loss caused by "embedding" (the microscopic flattening of surface roughness) to ensure the joint remains secure over its service life.
5. Visual Validation
To prevent data entry mistakes, the program generates a scaled drawing of the joint, allowing engineers to visually verify that the geometry matches their design.
6. Secure Reporting
Advanced output options include full print previews, graphs showing the results, password-protected PDF generation, and the ability to customize report headers/footers with company branding.
7. Concept-Phase Bolt Estimator
A specialized module that requires minimal data to provide an initial estimate of the required bolt size and strength for a new application.
8. Statistical Analysis
Allows an investigation into the probability of joint failure due to insufficient clamp force, a common cause of loosening and fatigue issues.
BOLTCALC Benefits
While features describe the software's capabilities, these benefits represent the real-world advantages for engineering projects:
Enhanced Structural Safety
Reduces the risk of catastrophic failure by verifying joints against five different failure modes simultaneously.
Cost & Weight Optimization
Allows engineers to safely downsize fasteners or switch to lighter materials (like aluminum) by accurately calculating required engagement lengths.
Time Efficiency
Automates complex, iterative calculations and data lookups, allowing for rapid "what-if" analysis of different design scenarios.
Prevention of Self-Loosening
Identifies potential preload loss before production, preventing the common and costly problem of bolts vibrating loose in the field.
Elimination of Human Error
Minimizes manual data entry mistakes through auto-population of standards and visual "sanity checks" of the joint geometry.
Professional Compliance
Generates comprehensive, secure, and branded PDF reports that serve as high-quality documentation for safety audits and client approvals.
Optimized Torque Specs
Replaces "rule of thumb" estimates with scientifically derived torque values based on specific friction and tightening tool variables.
Design Confidence
Provides a clear Design Margin (Factor of Safety) for each failure mode for every joint, giving engineers information to justify design decisions to stakeholders.
Supported Operating Systems
 Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10
Windows 11
Presented below are links to further information related to the BOLTCALC program:
Web page giving further details
Training Presentations
Torque Tightening Analysis (pdf)
Thread Stripping Analysis (pdf)
Joint Analysis (pdf)
BOLTCALC Datasheet (pdf)
BOLTCALC Example Analysis (pdf)
BOLTCALC Demo Program
dBEditor - Database Editor
To buy the software now - click here
BOLTCALC is a registered trademark of Bolt Science Limited
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