Experimental validation of the formulation for maximum socket depth estimation of non-reduced strength bolts

The analytical formulation introduced for the estimation of the maximum depth of the socket of the bolts that have a shaft diameter smaller than the diameter of the socket was validated with experimental studies. The maximum socket depth of a chosen representative bolt calculated by the analytical formulation for weight reduction was verified experimentally. Bolts with varying socket depths were manufactured through cold forging method and bolt tension tests were carried out on quasi-static tension test machine. Results showed that experimental predictions were in good agreement with the results taken from developed analytical model. The critical depth of the socket calculated using the analytical formulation was 3.2% more secure compared to the experimental results. As a result, the validity of the analytical formulation to calculate the critical socket depths of bolts with smaller shaft diameter than socket diameter was confirmed by experimental studies.