Fastener Groups; In-Plane Loading
In-plane loading on a bolt occurs when forces are applied parallel to the plane in which the bolts lie. This contrasts with out-of-plane loading, where the forces are applied perpendicular to this plane. As a result of this, in the case of in-plane loading, the bolting group does not experience any bending loads. In-plane rotation of the bolting group results in shear loading on the individual bolts only.
The example below assumes all bolts are common and are positioned at an equal distance from the group centroid i.e. bolts are positioned on a common PCD (Pitch Centre Diameter).
Shear Force in each bolt due to load Px:
Shear Force in each bolt due to load Py:
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For conservatism, it can be assumed that the shear load is not distributed evenly across all the bolts. Therefore for static and dynamic load cases a value of Nb/2 should be used. However under shock loading we can assume all bolts are effective i.e. Nb/1
Shear Force in each bolt due to moment induced by load P in ‘x’ direction:
Shear Force in each bolt due to moment induced by load P in ‘y’ direction:
Total force applied to each bolt by load P:
Shear Stress in each bolt:
Values of stress area for specific bolt sizes can be found on our Sizing Fasteners guide
