The study of damage to bolted connections using numerical simulation using ANSYS requires the analysis of stress fields in Cartesian coordinates along the angle and radius of the pads. The results show in detail the formation of the bolt assembly and the position of the stress concentrations. The surface between the contact elements is characterized by contact pressure, adhesion and clearance. With the help of the obtained results, it became possible to determine the stress that caused the initiation and propagation of a crack, as well as the position of the damaged section of the bolted joint.

Keywords: bolt assembly, numerical simulation, contact simulation, damage zone, finite element, abrasion