Stiffness

Is defined by Hook’s Law,

k = F/d

Wit the F is tension force, and d is the displacement.

Bolt Stiffness

Bolt stiffness is crucial in bolted joint design, as it affects how the load is shared between the bolt and the clamped components. For optimal performance the bolt stiffness should be lower than the member stiffness to ensure that the joint remains tight and the load is distributed effectively.

Member Stiffness

Refers to the components being clamped (e.g., plates, beams) and their ability to resist deformation.