ABSTRACT
Conventional design of a mechanical joint assumes tht the fasteners and the connected parts follow a linear response. The reason behind the use of elastic equations is their simplicity and frequent lack of suitable design models in more complex situations. In reality the behavior of a working fastener is nonlinear. The joint rigidity and fastener tension are a function of the applied loads, geometry, and elastic properties. The corresponding theoretical solutions are difficult to accomplish and the designer has to turn to experiments.
