For a bolted assembly with eight bolts, the stiffness of each bolt is kb = 1.0 MN/mm and the stiffness of the members is km = 2.6 MN/mm per bolt. The joint is subject to occasional disassembly for maintenance and should be preloaded accordingly. Assume the external load is equally distributed to all the bolts. It has been determined to use M6 × 1 class 5.8 bolts with rolled threads.
(a) Determine the maximum external load Pmax that can be applied to the entire joint without exceeding the proof strength of the bolts.
(b) Determine the maximum external load Pmax that can be applied to the entire joint without causing the members to come out of compression.