In bolted joints, the use of washers has become something of a default practice. At first glance, a washer seems like a simple component, just a flat disc placed between the nut or bolt head and the joint surface, but underneath this simplicity lies a complex interplay of mechanics and materials that can make or break the performance of your assembly over time.
Let's then take a look at why washers are used, how they impact bolt relaxation, and why the phenomenon of embedding, frequently underestimated, deserves special attention in joint design.
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