1. What is Bolt Shear Strength?

Bolt shear strength is the maximum load a bolt can withstand when the force is applied perpendicular to the bolt's axis. It's a critical parameter in mechanical design and structural engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the shear strength formula:

Where:

• 0.6 — Empirical factor relating tensile to shear strength
• Ultimate Tensile Strength — Material's maximum stress before failure (MPa)
• Area — Cross-sectional area of the bolt (mm²)

Explanation: The 0.6 factor accounts for the typical ratio between shear strength and tensile strength in ductile materials.

3. Importance of Shear Strength Calculation

Details: Proper shear strength calculation ensures bolted connections can withstand applied loads without failure, preventing structural collapses and mechanical failures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter ultimate tensile strength in MPa and cross-sectional area in mm². Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the factor 0.6 used?
A: For ductile materials, shear strength is typically 60% of tensile strength based on von Mises yield criterion.

Q2: What's a typical UTS for common bolt materials?
A: Grade 8.8 bolts: 800 MPa, Grade 10.9: 1000 MPa, Stainless steel: 500-700 MPa.

Q3: How do I calculate bolt area?
A: Area = π × (diameter/2)². For standard bolts, use nominal diameter minus thread depth.

Q4: Does thread affect shear strength?
A: Yes, threads reduce the effective shear area. For precise calculations, use root diameter.

Q5: Is this formula applicable to all materials?
A: Best for ductile metals. Brittle materials may require different approaches.