In many engineering application scenarios, vibration environments are extremely common, and the reliability of through-thread screws in this environment has become a key research topic.
First, the mechanism of vibration’s influence on threaded connections is complex. Continuous vibration will cause the through-thread screw to undergo alternating stress, which may lead to increased thread surface wear and reduce the friction and holding force between threads. For example, in high-speed running equipment in the machinery manufacturing industry, long-term vibration will gradually loosen the screw connections, affecting the overall stability and accuracy of the equipment.
Secondly, how material properties behave in a vibration environment is critical. Choosing materials with good fatigue resistance to manufacture through-thread screws, such as high-strength alloy steel, can effectively improve its reliability in vibration. The grain structure, hardness and toughness of materials are closely related to vibration resistance. For example, refining the grains can enhance the fatigue strength of the material, making screws less prone to crack initiation and expansion under vibration stress.
Furthermore, thread design and processing accuracy have a significant impact. Reasonable thread profile, pitch and thread surface roughness can optimize stress distribution. For example, using fine threads can disperse stress more evenly during vibration than coarse threads, reducing stress concentration points. At the same time, high-precision thread processing ensures a tight thread fit and reduces the risk of loosening.
In addition, the control of preload force is a key link. When installing through-thread screws, applying appropriate preload can enhance the initial stability of the connection. However, in a vibration environment, the preload force will change over time. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the optimal preload force value through scientific calculations and experiments, and adopt reliable preload methods, such as using a torque wrench to accurately control the torque.
At the same time, the effectiveness of anti-loosening measures determines reliability. Common anti-loosening methods include using spring washers, nylon nuts or thread locking agents. For example, spring washers can provide continuous elastic pressure when vibrating to compensate for the loss of pre-tightening force caused by vibration; thread locking agents fill the thread gaps and form a strong bonding force after solidification to prevent relative movement of threads.
In addition, monitoring and analysis of vibration environment parameters are indispensable. Understanding the frequency, amplitude, acceleration and other parameters of vibration can specifically evaluate the stress of the through-thread screw and predict its reliability changes. For example, in the aerospace field, sensors are used to monitor the vibration environment of aircraft in real time, providing a basis for reliability assessment and maintenance of screws.
In-depth research on the reliability of through-thread screws in vibration environments, comprehensive consideration of materials, design, installation, anti-loosening, environmental monitoring and other aspects and taking effective measures can ensure that they work stably and reliably under various vibration conditions. Ensure the safe operation of engineering structures and equipment.
