Spacecraft Assembly with Bolted Flange 

Created using ANSYS 16.1

Learning Goals

In this tutorial, you will learn to:

• Build a nonlinear finite-element model to analyze a bolted assembly 
• Model contacts between parts in an assembly
• Model thermal strains
• Model temperature-dependent material properties
• Verify the finite-element model by refining the mesh and also comparing with hand calculations
  
  

Problem Specification

The Saturn V rocket that carried people to the moon is the most powerful machine ever built.  Watch this awe-inspiring video to get a sense of the tremendous power packed into this rocket. The Saturn V's first stage was powered by five F1 engines. In this exercise, we analyze the bolted flange joint that connected the mid and lower parts of the nozzle as illustrated in the images below. 

We'll build a model of this joint using ANSYS. Our main objective is to assess the margin of safety of the F1 nozzle flange bolts. We'd also like to determine the separation between the jointed parts. 

Go to Step 1: Pre-Analysis & Start-Up

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