Simulating Torsional Slip in V-band Clamp Joints

In this paper a finite element technique to predict the torsional load capacity of V-band clamp joints is presented. The development of this complex, multi-step analysis is explained and the results compared with alternate theories which ignore or take account of transverse friction in the band to flange contact region. It is shown that accounting for transverse friction yields a better comparison with the finite element results for lower coefficients of friction whilst ignoring this component gives better results for higher coefficients of friction. Torsional load capacity is shown to increase with band diameter and T-bolt tension but to be less dependent on the coefficient of friction.