An Investigation of the Application of Bolt Pre- Stress and its Effect during Low Speed Impact Loading

This report is an initial investigation in to the effect of pre-stress of bolts during impact. The conclusions are not definitive but do indicate that for large strain analysis the effect of pre-stress in bolts is minimal. The effects are more noticeable for lateral impacts than in axial impacts. Further investigation is required to determine the effects of including friction and for other bolted configurations. This report is not an AMEC document and is not subject to AMEC procedures.