Ruuviliitos

Ruuviliitos, also known as screw loosening or screw creep, is a phenomenon where screws or bolts gradually lose their grip over time, leading to the loosening of fastened components. This issue is particularly prevalent in applications where screws are subjected to vibration, temperature changes, or other dynamic conditions. The primary cause of ruuviliitos is the viscoelastic behavior of the materials used in the screw and the fastened components. Under stress, these materials can deform over time, causing the screw to gradually lose its grip.

The phenomenon is more pronounced in materials like plastics, which exhibit significant viscoelastic properties, compared to metals, which are generally more rigid. Ruuviliitos can result in significant operational issues, such as the failure of mechanical systems, the loosening of electrical connections, and the detachment of structural components. To mitigate ruuviliitos, engineers often employ various strategies, including the use of locking mechanisms, such as lock washers or thread-locking compounds, and the selection of materials with lower viscoelastic properties.

In summary, ruuviliitos is a critical consideration in the design and maintenance of mechanical and structural systems, particularly those subjected to dynamic conditions. Understanding and addressing this phenomenon is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliability of these systems.