Parameter Identification Based on Force-Displacement Curves for a Bolted Joint Finite Element Model

In order to identify the uncertain parameters of a bolted joint finite element model, a simple and applicable way of parameter identification is introduced. By utilizing numerical simulation with the Abaqus software and experimental investigation with the MTS material testing system, the tangential force-displacement curves that reflect the characteristics of the bolted joint were acquired. On the basis of this, by employing the response surface methodology (RSM) and genetic algorithms (GAs), parameters in the FEM model were identified. The force-displacement curves by both virtual and experimental approaches are well correlated at the end. This phenomenon-based parameter identification method may help facilitate precise prediction of complex jointed connection structures.