Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract Bolted connections are extensively used in construction and machine design, playing critical roles in various industrial applications. Bolts and screws are, however, prone to loosening or separating due to factors such as shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. This self-loosening p...

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Main Authors: Abdulkadir Sanli, Bilgehan Demirkale, Olfa Kanoun
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-02-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89290-9
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author Abdulkadir Sanli
Bilgehan Demirkale
Olfa Kanoun
author_facet Abdulkadir Sanli
Bilgehan Demirkale
Olfa Kanoun
author_sort Abdulkadir Sanli
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Bolted connections are extensively used in construction and machine design, playing critical roles in various industrial applications. Bolts and screws are, however, prone to loosening or separating due to factors such as shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. This self-loosening phenomenon poses a considerable challenge to the reliability of bolted connections, necessitating regular inspections to ensure their safety. In this study, we report a cost-effective technique for monitoring bolted joint loosening torque: BoltWISE (Bolt loosening detection with innovative sensors). BoltWISE employs an innovative sensor element consisting of a piezoresistive, pressure-sensitive layer made from multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposites coated onto an FR4 substrate, functioning as a washer. Our approach provides high sensitivity, durability, linearity, and fast response times, with minimal hysteresis during both the tightening and loosening processes. Finite-element method simulations were conducted to determine the optimal sensor positions, ensuring fast response during bolt tightening and loosening. Our findings highlight BoltWISE as a promising, low-cost solution for efficiently detecting bolt loosening in industrial environments. Its ease of implementation and fabrication make it a valuable tool for improving safety and maintenance practices across various industries.
format Article
id doaj-art-43a75027894e44afab45a568a9ca1632
institution Kabale University
issn 2045-2322
language English
publishDate 2025-02-01
publisher Nature Portfolio
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series Scientific Reports
spelling doaj-art-43a75027894e44afab45a568a9ca16322025-02-09T12:34:16ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-02-011511910.1038/s41598-025-89290-9Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocompositesAbdulkadir Sanli0Bilgehan Demirkale1Olfa Kanoun2Chair for Electrical Measurements and Sensor Technology, Technische Universität ChemnitzChair for Assembly and Handling Technology, Technische Universität ChemnitzChair for Electrical Measurements and Sensor Technology, Technische Universität ChemnitzAbstract Bolted connections are extensively used in construction and machine design, playing critical roles in various industrial applications. Bolts and screws are, however, prone to loosening or separating due to factors such as shock, vibration, and temperature fluctuations. This self-loosening phenomenon poses a considerable challenge to the reliability of bolted connections, necessitating regular inspections to ensure their safety. In this study, we report a cost-effective technique for monitoring bolted joint loosening torque: BoltWISE (Bolt loosening detection with innovative sensors). BoltWISE employs an innovative sensor element consisting of a piezoresistive, pressure-sensitive layer made from multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposites coated onto an FR4 substrate, functioning as a washer. Our approach provides high sensitivity, durability, linearity, and fast response times, with minimal hysteresis during both the tightening and loosening processes. Finite-element method simulations were conducted to determine the optimal sensor positions, ensuring fast response during bolt tightening and loosening. Our findings highlight BoltWISE as a promising, low-cost solution for efficiently detecting bolt loosening in industrial environments. Its ease of implementation and fabrication make it a valuable tool for improving safety and maintenance practices across various industries.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89290-9Bolt-looseningSmart washerMulti-walled carbon nanotubesPressure sensingEpoxy resinPiezoresistivity
spellingShingle Abdulkadir Sanli
Bilgehan Demirkale
Olfa Kanoun
Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
Scientific Reports
Bolt-loosening
Smart washer
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Pressure sensing
Epoxy resin
Piezoresistivity
title Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
title_full Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
title_fullStr Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
title_full_unstemmed Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
title_short Real-time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure-sensitive layer based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
title_sort real time detection of loosening torque in bolted joints using piezoresistive pressure sensitive layer based on multi walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites
topic Bolt-loosening
Smart washer
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Pressure sensing
Epoxy resin
Piezoresistivity
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-89290-9
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AT bilgehandemirkale realtimedetectionoflooseningtorqueinboltedjointsusingpiezoresistivepressuresensitivelayerbasedonmultiwalledcarbonnanotubesreinforcedepoxynanocomposites
AT olfakanoun realtimedetectionoflooseningtorqueinboltedjointsusingpiezoresistivepressuresensitivelayerbasedonmultiwalledcarbonnanotubesreinforcedepoxynanocomposites