The Boeing Company
Modeling holes and fasteners for finite element analysis

Abstract:

Method and computer program product for generating a finite element model of a fastener passing through holes in load-bearing plates. Disks of finite elements are arranged in the holes to model the portions of the fastener aligned with each hole. Fence elements extend about the perimeters of the disks and the perimeters of the holes in directions away from sides of the disks and load-bearing plates. Contact bodies can be arranged on the fence elements. When a finite element model is executed, the fence elements and contact bodies can bear against each other to model contact between the holes and the fastener.