Pull‐Off Behavior of MAX Phase Ceramic Bolted Connections: Experimental Testing and Simulation Analysis

Abstract

Ti3SiC2 bolt and nut were fabricated and their microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The Ti3SiC2 ceramic had a relative density of 99.2%, and the flexural strength, Young's modulus and fractured toughness was 451.9 AE 29.7 MPa, 378.4 GPa and 6.23 AE 0.22 MPaÁm 1/2 , respectively. The pull-off behavior of this novel bolted connection was experimental and simulated. The experimental maximum pull-off load and strength were 3745 N and 132.5 MPa, respectively. The FEM simulated maximum pull-off load and strength were 4213 N and 149.1 MPa, respectively. Besides, the stress distributions among the Ti3SiC2 bolt and nut were also simulated. From this study, we believe that the Ti3SiC2 bolted connection is suitable for engineering applications.