Gasketed bolted flange joint's relaxation behaviour under different bolt up strategy

Performance of a bolted flange joint is characterized mainly by its 'strength' and 'sealing capability'. Sealing capability of a bolted flange joint is highly dependent on the bolt up strategy during assembly because gasket stress distribution achieved during assembly process is the prime parameter. Any improper bolt up practice may result in the leakage from the joint. In this article, two different bolt up strategies used in the industries during the assembly of a bolted flanged joint are used and joints relaxation, gasket stress variation, and joint's strength are analysed using detailed non-linear finite-element analysis.