The phenomenon of bolts loosening due to temperature changes is a significant concern in various engineering applications. This occurs because different materials expand and contract at different rates when subjected to thermal fluctuations. A bolt and the material it fastens may have dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion. When temperature increases, the material with a higher coefficient will expand more than the bolt. This differential expansion can induce changes in the clamping force applied by the bolt.
Understanding and mitigating this effect is crucial for ensuring the integrity and reliability of structures and machinery, ranging from bridges and pipelines to engines and electronic devices. Historically, failures due to thermally induced bolt loosening have led to catastrophic incidents, emphasizing the importance of proper material selection, torque specifications, and maintenance protocols.
