Determination of the load distribution in a threaded connector

A modified spring model was developed to predict the load distribution in the threaded portion of a connector. Distinction was made between a compression case (nut and bolt) and a tension case (turnbuckle). The load distribution was described using simple second order difference equations. Three different nut and bolt (turnbuckle) combinations were discussed: (1) threads of similar materials and geometry, (2) threads of similar geometry but different modulus of elasticity, and (3) threads with varying stiffness.;A second modified spring model and a finite element program were developed to predict the load distribution in the threads of a connector having some non-contacting threads as well as for threads with varying pitch spacing. A third modified spring model was developed to predict the load distribution in the threaded portion of a connector having yielded threads. A fourth spring model is developed to study the anti-loosening mechanism of jam nuts since threaded fasteners are widely used because they are easily and nondestructively assembled and disassembled.;When a threaded bolt/nut combination is axially loaded, the load on the first engaged thread can be over twice the average loading for the other threads. A fifth spring model and a constrained optimization method were developed to improve the load distribution of a threaded connector. A sixth modified spring model was developed to predict the load distribution along the threaded portion of a threaded connector. A seventh spring model was developed to predict the jump-out behavior for threaded pipe joints used in oil or gas-producing wells. The dissertation concludes with a listing of recommendations for additional work on threaded connectors.