Fastener Tension and Shear

WHAT THIS SCREEN ANSWERS

Fasteners can see tension, shear, or both. Looking at only one stress state can hide the governing condition, especially where a connection experiences a direct pull plus lateral load or vibration. This screen keeps nominal tension and shear visible separately before presenting a simple combined-use proxy.

Enter applied tension and shear, the correct tensile and shear areas, and user-supported allowable stresses. MechPlane calculates nominal stresses and individual ratios. A root-sum-square proxy is included only as a comparative indicator. Zero load correctly returns zero ratios, but no output is presented as code compliance or a released fastener selection.

The correct area depends on the fastener and where the shear plane falls. Threads in the shear plane, preload, friction-type joint behavior, bearing and tear-out, eccentric load, prying, repeated fatigue, corrosion, temperature, and installation can each alter the design problem. A bolt grade alone does not supply every needed limit.

Use this page to identify the basic load state and decide whether the connection needs fuller review. Confirm fastener geometry, material, engagement, shear plane, preload, joint type, bearing, slip, fatigue, safety factor, and governing standard or manufacturer guidance before release.