Contact analysis of bolted joint interfaces incorporating preload and surface topography effects via force-deflection mapping

Bing Wu, Yunyun Sun, Huanre Han, Shijing Wu, School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission for Advanced Equipment, Chongqing University, Metals and Chemistry Research Institute, China Academy of Railway Sciences Corporation Limited

Journal of Vibration and Control

Published online on February 16, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Vibration and Control, Ahead of Print.
This study proposes a mathematical model to investigate the nonlinear contact behavior of bolted joint interfaces under the combined effects of surface roughness and normal preload. Based on the asperity contact mechanics, the explicit analytical ...