Conclusion

Bolted flange assemblies are mechanical connections whose reliability depends on the simultaneous interaction of several components: flanges, gaskets, and fasteners. A robust design can therefore only be achieved by considering the assembly as a whole, rather than by analyzing each component in isolation.

The TBSS method proposed in this article is based on this principle. It consists of expressing the mechanical parameters associated with the joint’s leak tightness and the strength of the components in terms of equivalent clamping forces. This formulation makes it possible to determine two clamping limits—associated respectively with the sealing conditions and the mechanical strength limits—between which an operational clamping force can be defined. The margins available relative to these limits also allow for an assessment of the robustness of the selected clamping...