Stress in a flat section band clamp

This paper analyses the stress in a flat section band clamp and validates by experimental data the predictions based on the developed theory. In the experimental work flat section band clamps were positioned around the rigid cylinder and strain and corresponding displacement were measured; the clamp nut was tightened to gradually increasing torque until failure occured. The error in stress and corresponding displacement predicted by the theory and that obtained by testing was found to be 1-2 per cent for the initial stage where the band is slack on the rigid cylinder, 3-5 per cent where the band makes contact with the cylinder and 5-7 per cent for post-yielding of the band material. This error could mainly be attributed to an uncertainty in the properties for the material and the accuracy of instrumentation. The coefficient of friction between the relevant components and the elastic modulus of the band material are the important properties, which influence the performance of the clamp. In the current experimental work failure occured in the T-bolt.