Lug Analysis

3/5/2018 Lug Analysis | MechaniCalc
Lug Analysis
Instructions (/calculators/lifting-lug-analysis/instructions)
A lug, also known as a lifting lug or a padeye, is essentially a plate with a hole in it where the hole is sized to t a
clevis pin. Lugs are used in combination with clevis pins to transmit load between di erent mechanical
components. Common applications where lugs are used include:
strongbacks with padeyes, lifted with shackles and other rigging

connections between actuators and other structure (i.e. trunnion joint, clevis joint)
door hinges
Advantages of lugs over other types of connections that are used to transmit load include:
rotation between components is possible

quick and simple installation
Contents
Lug Analysis Overview (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#analysis-overview)

Simpli ed Analysis (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#simpli ed-analysis)
Tension Failure Across Net Section (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#simpli ed-
tension-failure-across-net-section)
Shear Tear Out Along Two Planes (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#simpli ed-shear-
tear-out)
Bearing Failure (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#simpli ed-bearing-failure)
Air Force Method (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-method)
Axial Loading (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-axial-lug)
Transverse Loading (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-transverse-lug)
Oblique Loading (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-oblique-lug)
Double Shear Joint Strength (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-double-shear-
strength)
ASME BTH Method (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-bth-method)

Correction Factors (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-correction-factors)
Design Factor & Service Class (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-design-factor)
Lug Strength Calculations (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-lug-strength)
Appendix (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#appendix)
Notes (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#notes)
References (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#references)
Lug Analysis Overview

https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-method 1/31
Analysis of a lug is deceptively complex since there are several simultaneous, interacting failure modes. These
failure modes are associated with di erent areas of the lug, as illustrated in the gure below (Note: Figure not to
scale (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#note-pin-size)):
The failure modes for the lug are listed below. The numbers correspond with the labeled sections from the above
gure:
1. Tension failure across the net section

2. Shear failure along two planes
3. Bearing failure
4. Hoop tension failure / fracture on single plane
5. Out of plane buckling ("dishing") -- (not shown in the gure)
There are several common methods of analyzing a lug:
Simpli ed analysis - This method is based on rst principles and involves making simplifying assumptions
about the nature of the failure and calculating factors of safety. This has the advantage of being relatively
easy, but it only gives an approximate determination of the adequacy of the lug.
Air Force Method - This method considers most of the failure modes above, and uses empirical curves to
determine more accurate allowable loads. This method allows for lugs under axial loading, transverse
loading, or oblique loading. This method also accounts for the interaction between the lug and the pin.
ASME BTH - This method considers most of the failure modes above, and uses simpli ed equations with
correction factors based on empirical data to determine more accurate allowable loads. This method is
simpler than the Air Force Method, but it only allows for lugs under axial loading and does not account for
the interaction between the lug and the pin.
All of these methods are described in the following sections.
Simpli ed Analysis
This method is based on rst principles (as well as on the simpli ed method outlined in Bruhn
(https://www.amazon.com/Analysis-Design-Flight-Vehicle-Structures/dp/0961523409/ref=as_li_ss_tl?
ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=mechanicalc-20&linkId=07e81dbba299931f7bd1e56051ab5df7)) and involves making
simplifying assumptions about the nature of the failure. While it is relatively easy to perform, it only gives an
approximate determination of the adequacy of the lug and should not be employed for critical structure.
In the simpli ed analysis, the following failure modes are considered:
Tension failure across the net section

Shear failure along two planes
Bearing failure
A factor of safety (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#allowable-stress-design) is calculated

for each of the failure modes, and as long as each factor of safety is acceptable then the lug can be considered to
pass. The gure below shows the lug in blue and the pin in green.
The dimensions in the gure are:
Dh = hole diameter
Dp = pin diameter
R = edge distance (distance from center of hole to edge of lug in direction of applied load)
r = radius of curvature of edge of lug (greater than or equal to R)
a = distance from edge of hole to edge of lug = R − 0.5Dh
w = width
t = thickness (not shown in gure -- thickness is into the page)
Z = loss in shear plane length due to curvature at end of lug
ϕ = shear plane locating angle = 40°
Tension Failure Across Net Section

Tension failure across the net section occurs over the cross-section highlighted in red in the gure below:
The area of the net section is given by:
At = (w − Dh )t
The ultimate tensile load is the load that would result in tensile failure across the net section, and is given by:
Ptu = S tu At
where Stu is the ultimate tensile strength (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/mechanical-properties-of-

materials#stress-strain-curve) of the lug material. The equation above assumes a uniform tensile stress
(https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#stress-and-strain) over the cross-section. In reality
there will be a stress concentration (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#stress-
concentration) due to the ow of stress around the hole.
The factor of safety is given by:
Ptu
F S tu =
Fapp
Shear Tear Out Along Two Planes

Shear tear out occurs over the two shear planes highlighted in red in the gure below:
The total shear plane area is given by:
As = 2Lsp t
where Lsp is the length of the shear plane and t is the lug thickness. A simple and conservative approach is to
calculate the length of a single shear plane as:
Lsp = a
where a = R − 0.5Dh, as shown in the gure above. If it is desired to account for a slightly longer shear plane,
it is common practice to consider a 40 degree line extending from the center of the shear pin. At the point where
that 40 degree line intersects the pin hole, extend the shear plane horizontally to the outer edge of the lug. In this
case, Lsp is calculated as:
Dp
Lsp = a + (1 − cos(ϕ)) − Z
2
where ϕ is the shear plane locating angle of 40° and Z is the loss in shear plane length due to the curvature at
the end of the lug. This loss is calculated as:
−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
2
Dp
2
Z = r − √r − ( sin(ϕ))
2
Note that if the lug end is at then r is in nity and Z is zero.
The ultimate shear load is the load that would result in shear tear out along the two planes, and is given by:
Psu = S su As
where Ssu is the ultimate shear strength of the lug material.
Psu
F S tu =
Fapp
Bearing Failure
Bearing occurs between the surface of the pin and the inner surface of the hole in the lug, as shown in the gure
below:
The bearing area is given by:
Abr = Dp t
Note that since the length of the bearing surface is equal to the diameter of the pin, and since the circumference
of a circle is given by C = πD, then:
the length of the bearing surface is also equal to 1/π times the circumference of the pin
the swept angle of the bearing surface is equal to 2 radians ≈ 115°
The ultimate bearing load is the load that would result in bearing failure, and is given by:
Pbru = S bru Abr
where Sbru is the minimum of the ultimate bearing strength of the lug material and the ultimate bearing strength
of the pin material. The ultimate bearing strength can be approximated as 1.5Stu .
Pbru
F S bru =
Fapp
If a bushing is pressed into the lug, then bearing needs to be calculated for both sets of contact:
Pin on bushing
Bushing on lug
Mailing List
Subscribe to receive occasional updates on the latest improvements:
Email Address
Subscribe
Air Force Method

The Air Force Method is widely used in industry and is documented in the Stress Analysis Manual of the Air Force
Flight Dynamics Laboratory (FDL). This method follows closely with the methods presented in Melcon & Hoblit
and Bruhn (https://www.amazon.com/Analysis-Design-Flight-Vehicle-Structures/dp/0961523409/ref=as_li_ss_tl?
ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=mechanicalc-20&linkId=07e81dbba299931f7bd1e56051ab5df7), and it relies heavily
on curves generated by empirical data. Although this method is somewhat more complex than other lug analysis
methods, it is incredibly useful because it allows for lugs under axial loading, transverse loading, or oblique
loading, and because it accounts for the interaction between the lug and the pin.
Lug Calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-

analysis/)
Check out our lug calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-analysis/) based on the Air Force
Method described here.
This section discusses axial loading, transverse loading, and oblique loading separately. These sections disregard
the e ect of the pin on the lug strength. A discussion of the pin and lug interaction is given at the end.
Axial Loading
For axially loaded lugs, the Air Force method evaluates the lug for bearing failure, shear-out failure, hoop tension
failure, and failure across the net section. Three of the failure modes are actually combined into a single failure
mode -- the "bearing strength" accounts for bearing, shear-out, and hoop tension. This is consistent with Bruhn
ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=mechanicalc-20&linkId=07e81dbba299931f7bd1e56051ab5df7) and Melcon & Hoblit.
The dimensions of interest for an axially loaded lug are shown in the gure below:
The dimensions from the gure include:
D = hole diameter
Dp = pin diameter
e = edge distance
a = distance from edge of hole to edge of lug = e − 0.5D
w = width
t = thickness
Bearing Strength Under Axial Load

The ultimate bearing load, accounting for bearing, shear-out, and hoop tension, is given by:
∣ Fbru.L Dt if S tu ≤ 1.304S ty

Pbru.L = ∣
∣ 1.304Fbry.L Dt otherwise
where D is the hole diameter and t is the lug thickness. Fbru.L and Fbry.L are the lug ultimate and yield bearing
stresses, respectively, and are given by the following equations:
e/D < 1.5 e/D ≥ 1.5
a
Ultimate Bearing Stress, Fbru.L : K S tu K S tu
D
a
Yield Bearing Stress, Fbry.L : K S ty K S ty
D
The equation for ultimate bearing load can be condensed down to:
a
∣ if e/D < 1.5
D
Pbru.L = K ⋅ min (S tu , 1.304S ty ) ⋅ Dt ⋅ ∣
∣1 otherwise
For ratios of e/D less than 1.5, the hole is close to the edge of the lug and so shear-out and hoop tension are
likely to be the most critical failure modes. For larger values of e/D, the hole is spaced farther from the edge and
so bearing is likely to be the critical failure mode.
The factor K in the equations above is the allowable axial load coe cient which accounts for the interaction
e ects between the di erent failure modes (bearing, shear-out, and hoop tension). The value of K is read o of
one of the following two plots. The rst plot is used for D/t ≤ 5, which is the most common case. If D/t > 5
then the lug is thin, and in that case the value of K is read o of the second plot below. (Note 2)
(https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#note-axial-load-coe cient-plot)
Bushing Bearing Strength Under Axial Load

If there is a bushing in the lug, then the bearing strength for the bushing must be calculated. The bushing
ultimate load is given by:
Pu.B = 1.304S cy.B Dp t
where Dp is the pin diameter, t is the bushing thickness (assumed to be equal to the lug thickness), and Scy.B is
the compressive yield strength of the bushing material. The Air Force manual assumes the compressive ultimate
strength of the bushing material, Scu.B , to be equal to 1.304Scy.B .
If there is no bushing in the lug, then the calculation should still be performed assuming that the lug material is
the bushing material.
Net Section Strength Under Axial Load

The net-section ultimate load accounts for tension failure across the net section and is calculated by:
∣ Fnu.L (w − D)t if S tu ≤ 1.304S ty

Pnu.L = ∣
∣ 1.304Fny.L (w − D)t otherwise
where w is the width and D is the hole diameter. Fnu.L and Fny.L are the ultimate and yield net-section stresses
(https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#stress-and-strain), respectively, and are given by the
following equations:
Ultimate Net-Section Stress: Fnu.L = K n S tu
Yield Net-Section Stress: Fny.L = K n S ty
The equation for net section ultimate load can be condensed down to:
Pnu.L = K n ⋅ min (S tu , 1.304S ty ) ⋅ (w − D) ⋅ t
The factor Kn in the equations above is the net tension stress coe cient which is a knock-down on the allowable
stresses. The value of Kn is determined by interpolating between the following plots:
Design Strength Under Axial Load

The design ultimate load for an axially loaded lug is the minimum of the ultimate bearing load, the ultimate
bushing load, and the ultimate net-section load:
Pu.L.B = min (Pbru.L , Pu.B , Pnu.L )
Transverse Loading
The analysis for a transversely loaded lug is similar to that for an axially loaded lug. However, the failure mode for
transverse loading is more complicated than for axial loading, and di erent dimensions are critical for
determining lug strength. The dimensions of interest for a transversely loaded lug are shown in the gure below:
where h1 , h2 , h3 , and h4 are failure planes of interest. If the lug is symmetric, then the values for these
dimensions can be easily obtained from the dimensions for an axially loaded lug:
h2 = 0.5(w − D)
∘
h1 = h4 = h2 + 0.5D(1 − cos 45 )
h3 = a
It should be noted that h3 is de ned as the smallest dimension on any radial section around the hole, but it will
typically be equal to a. From the above dimensions, the e ective edge distance is calculated:
6
hav =
3/h1 + 1/h2 + 1/h3 + 1/h4
The equation above is simply a "reciprocal average" that gives more weighting to dimension h1 since that section
takes most of the load. (Note 3) (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#note-reciprocal-average)
Lug Strength Under Transverse Load

The ultimate transverse load is given by:
∣F Dt if S tu ≤ 1.304S ty
bru.L
Ptru.L = ∣
∣ 1.304Fbry.L Dt otherwise
where D is the hole diameter and t is the lug thickness. Fbru.L and Fbry.L are the lug ultimate and yield bearing
stresses, respectively, and are given by the following equations:
Ultimate Bearing Stress: Fbru.L = K tru S tu
Yield Bearing Stress: Fbry.L = K try S ty
where Ktru and Ktry are the transverse ultimate and yield load coe cients and are determined from the
following plot:
Bushing Bearing Strength Under Transverse Load

The bearing strength for the bushing in a transversely loaded lug is the same as for an axially loaded lug:
Ptru.B = Pu.B
where Pu.B is the bushing bearing strength for an axially loaded lug (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-
analysis#air-force-bushing-bearing-axial).
Design Strength Under Transverse Load

The design ultimate load for a transversely loaded lug is the minimum of the ultimate lug load and the ultimate
bushing load:
Ptru.L.B = min (Ptru.L , Ptru.B )
Looking for a Lug Calculator?

(https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-analysis/)
Check out our lug calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-analysis/) based on the
methodology described here.
Allows for axial, transverse, or oblique loading

Performs calculations for lug strength, pin strength, and double shear joint strength
Oblique Loading
In an obliquely loaded lug, the applied load has both axial and transverse components, as shown in the gure
below:
For an obliquely loaded lug, the applied load should be broken out into the axial and transverse components, Pax
and Ptr , and the strengths in the axial and transverse directions should be calculated as discussed in the
previous sections. An allowable load curve can then be de ned which takes the form of an interaction equation,
and is given below:
1.6 1.6
Pax.ult Ptr.ult
( ) + ( ) = 1
Pu.L.B Ptru.L.B
The allowable load curve de nes the limits at which the lug is expected to fail -- it de nes the ultimate load for a
given combination of applied axial and transverse load. In the equation above, Pax.ult is the axial component of
the ultimate load, Ptr.ult is the transverse component of the ultimate load, Pu.L.B is the design strength under
axial load (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-axial-design-strength), and Ptru.L.B is the
design strength under transverse load (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-transverse-
design-strength). The allowable load curve is shown below:
In the gure above, the values along the y-axis are the ratios of the transverse applied load to the transverse
strength, and the values along the x-axis are the ratios of the axial applied load to the axial strength.
Axial Load Ratio Transverse Load Ratio
Pax Ptr
Rax = Rtr =
Pu.L.B Ptru.L.B
The point for the applied load with coordinates of (Rax , Rtr ) should be plotted. Any point that falls within the
allowable load curve has a factor of safety (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#allowable-
stress-design) ≥ 1 with respect to the ultimate load. Note that if the applied load is completely axial, then the
value for Rtr is 0 and the point (Rax , Rtr ) lies along the x-axis, and so the ultimate load is simply the axial design
strength. Likewise for a completely transverse applied load; in this case, the point lies along the y-axis and so the
ultimate load is the transverse design strength.
For an applied load with both axial and transverse components, the ultimate load is calculated by drawing a line
from the origin, through the point (Rax , Rtr ), and then through the allowable load curve. This is the load line,
and it has a slope of:
Rtr Ptr Pu.L.B

m = =
Rax Ptru.L.B Pax
The ultimate load ratios are given by the intersection of the load line with the allowable load curve. These
ultimate ratios can then be used to calculate the ultimate load values in the axial and transverse directions.
Ultimate Axial Load Ratio Ultimate Transverse Load Ratio
Pax.ult Ptr.ult
Rax.ult = Rtr.ult =
Pu.L.B Ptru.L.B
It should be noted that the equation for the slope given above disagrees with the slope speci ed in the Air Force
Manual. A discussion is given in the Appendix (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#oblique-
discrepancy).
Instead of determining the ultimate values by plotting, they can be calculated directly by noting that the ultimate
load components, Pax.ult and Ptr.ult are related by:
Ptr.ult = Pax.ult ⋅ tan (α)
where α is the angle of the applied load with respect to the axial direction. (Note 4) (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-
analysis#note-ultimate-components-oblique) The equation de ning the allowable load curve can then be solved for the
ultimate axial load, with the relationship above substituted for the ultimate transverse load:
0.625
1.6 1.6 ⎛ ⎞
Pax.ult Ptr.ult 1
( ) + ( ) = 1 → Pax.ult = ⎜
⎜
⎟
⎟
1.6 1.6
Pu.L.B Ptru.L.B 1 tan (α)
⎝ ( ) + ( ) ⎠
P u.L.B P tru.L.B
The ultimate applied load can then be determined by:

−−−−−−−−−−−
2 2
Pult = √P + P
ax.ult tr.ult
The factor of safety is calculated by: (Note 5) (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#note-factor-of-safety-oblique)
Pult
FS =
Papp
Double Shear Joint Strength

It is important for the pin in the joint to be strong enough that it will distribute the load evenly over the lugs. Even
though a weak pin will not commonly break in practice, excessive exure of the pin will cause the load to "peak
up" near the shear planes such that the outer edges of the lugs see high loads and the inner portions of the lugs
are relatively unloaded. This can cause the material around the holes on the outer surfaces of the lugs to stretch
far enough to initiate a fracture, and the lug will fail at a lower load than predicted.
One e ect that helps the situation is that as the load concentrates near the shear planes, the bending arm is
reduced, and therefore the bending moment in the pin is reduced. However, a study cited by Molcon and Hoblit
found that this decrease in bending moment is "seldom more than 25 percent and usually much less."
Since bending in the pin a ects the strength of the lug, it is critical to account for the pin strength when analyzing
the joint. In this section, a method for calculating the allowable load for a double shear joint is presented. An
example of a double shear joint is shown below:
In a double shear joint, there are two outer (female) lugs, a single inner (male) lug, and a pin.
The overall process of determining the allowable load is illustrated in the diagram below:
Calculate Joint Strength Ignoring Pin E ects

Initially ignoring the e ects of pin bending, calculate the ultimate load of each lug in the joint using the methods
described in the previous sections (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-oblique-lug). Then
calculate the nominal ultimate joint load (which does not account for the pin strength):
Pu.J .nom = min (2 ⋅ Pult.F , Pult.M )
where Pult.M is the ultimate load for the male lug and Pult.F is the ultimate load for a single female lug. Since
there are 2 female lugs supporting the load, then the ultimate load with respect to the female lugs is 2 ⋅ Pult.F .
Calculate Pin Shear and Bending Strengths

The shear strength and the bending strength of the pin should both be calculated.
Pin Shear Strength
The ultimate shear load is calculated by:

π
2
Pus.P = 2 ( Dp ) S su.P
4
where DP is the pin diameter and Ssu.P is the ultimate shear strength of the pin material. Note that twice the
area is used in calculating pin shear strength since there are two shear planes.
Pin Bending Strength
The ultimate bending load is the applied load that would result in bending failure of the pin, and is calculated by:
2Mu.P
Pub.P =
Larm
where Larm is the moment arm and Mu.P is the ultimate failing moment for the pin. If the load is distributed
evenly across the entire width of the lugs, then the moment arm is calculated by:
t1 t2
Larm = ( + + g)
2 4
where t1 is the thickness of a single female lug, t2 is the thickness of the male lug, and g is the gap between the
male and female lugs when the male lug is centered between the female lugs.
The ultimate failing moment for the pin is calculated by:
3
πD
P
Mu.P = ⋅ kb.P ⋅ S tu.P
32
where Stu.P is the ultimate tensile strength of the pin material and kb.P is the plastic bending coe cient.
According to the Air Force Manual, "the value of kb.P varies from 1.0 for a perfectly elastic pin to 1.7 for a
perfectly plastic pin, with a value of 1.56 for pins made from reasonably ductile materials (more than 5%
elongation)."
Pin Strong or Weak in Bending?

Once the pin strengths are calculated, determine whether the pin is strong or weak in bending. If the pin ultimate
bending load (Pub.P ) is greater than either the pin ultimate shear load (Pus.P ) or the nominal ultimate joint load
(Pu.J .nom ), then the pin is relatively strong and is not critical in bending. Otherwise, the pin is weak and is critical
in bending.
Yes → Strong Pin

Pub.P ≥ Pu.J .nom or Pub.P ≥ Pus.P ?
No → Weak Pin
Strong Pin
If the pin is strong, the joint strength will be limited by either the pin shear strength or by the nominal joint
strength. In the case of a strong pin, the pin ultimate bending load is calculated assuming that the load
distributes evenly over the full width of the lugs:
3
πD ⋅ kb.P ⋅ S tu.P
P
Pub.P =
t1 t2
16 ( + + g)
2 4
The equation above is the same as the equation presented earlier for the ultimate pin bending load, but with the
terms combined into a single equation.
For a strong pin, the pin bending does not a ect the joint strength and the ultimate joint load is equal to the
nominal ultimate joint load:
Pu.J = Pu.J .nom
Weak Pin
If the pin is weak in bending, then the load will not be distributed evenly over the lug widths. Instead, the load will
concentrate toward the shear planes, and the inner portions of the lugs will be relatively unloaded. Because of
this, the lugs will fail at a lower load than predicted.
To account for the low pin bending strength, a "balanced design" ultimate load is calculated. The goal is to
determine the actual bearing widths over which the lugs support the load. Instead of the load being supported
over the full lug thicknesses, t1 and t2 , the load will instead be distributed over some smaller widths, b1 and b2 ,
as shown in the gure below. It is assumed that the load is uniformly distributed over these widths.
Reducing the bearing width has two e ects:
The ultimate load is reduced for the lugs (the lugs fail at a lower load).
The moment arm for the pin is reduced, which increases the pin's ultimate bending load (the pin fails at a
higher load).
The new, increased value of the pin ultimate bending load is calculated by:
3
πD ⋅ kb.P ⋅ S tu.P
P
Pub.P =
b1 b2
16 ( + + g)
2 2
where, in the equation above, b1 and 2b2 were substituted for t1 and t2 from the previous pin bending equation.
The trick is to nd the values of b1 and b2 that result in the "balanced design" ultimate load. To determine the
balanced design ultimate load, reduce the bearing widths of each of the lugs until the ultimate load for the lugs
are equal to one other as well as equal to the ultimate bending load of the pin. This requires an iterative process.
Once the balanced design ultimate load is found, the ultimate joint load and the pin ultimate bending load are
each equal to the balanced load:
Pu.J = Pub.P = Pbalanced
Calculate Allowable Load for Joint

The ultimate joint load (Pu.J ) should have been calculated in one of the two previous sections, depending on
whether the pin was strong or weak in bending:
Strong pin: Pu.J = Pu.J .nom
Weak pin: Pu.J = Pbalanced
The overall ultimate load accounting for both the ultimate joint load and the ultimate pin shear load is calculated
by:
Pult = min (Pu.J , Pus.P )
The factor of safety is calculated by:
Pult
FS =
Papplied
Looking for a Lug Calculator?

Check out our lug calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-analysis/) based on the
methodology described here.
Allows for axial, transverse, or oblique loading

Performs calculations for lug strength, pin strength, and double shear joint strength
ASME BTH Method

The ASME method of lug analysis is described in ASME BTH-1, "Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices." This
method considers the following failure modes, where the numbers correspond to the gure:
1. Tension failure across the net section

2. Shear failure along two planes
3. Bearing failure
4. Fracture on single plane
While the factor of safety (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#allowable-stress-design) on

dishing (out-of-plane buckling) is not explicitly calculated, the e ective width calculation accounts for the lug
thickness in an attempt to protect against dishing failure.
The dimensions of interest for the lug analysis are shown in the gure below:
The dimensions from the gure include:
Dh = hole diameter
Dp = pin diameter
be = net width (distance between the edge of the hole and the edge of the lug in the transverse direction)
R = edge distance (distance from the center of the hole to the edge of the lug in the direction of applied
load)
r = radius of curvature of edge of lug (greater than or equal to R)
a = distance from the edge of the hole to the edge of the lug = R − 0.5Dh
t = thickness (not shown in gure -- thickness is into the page)
Z = loss in shear plane length due to curvature at the end of the lug
ϕ = shear plane locating angle
Correction Factors
The analysis in ASME BTH is very similar to the simpli ed analysis (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-
analysis#simpli ed-analysis), with the exception of several correction factors that are calculated based on test
results. These correction factors are discussed below.
Strength Reduction Factor

The lug strength is reduced as the t between the pin and the hole is loosened. The lug strength is not much
a ected as long as the pin and hole are a relatively tight t. ASME de nes a strength reduction factor that can be
used to account for the pin-to-hole clearance as:
∣1 if Dp /Dh > 0.9

∣ −−−−−−
Cr = 2
Dp
∣
1 − 0.275√1 − otherwise
2
∣ Dh
where Dp is the pin diameter and Dh is the hole diameter.
Shear Plane Locating Angle

A shear plane locating angle, ϕ, is used to locate the two planes along which shear tear out occurs, as shown in
the gure:
A larger value of ϕ results in a larger shear plane area. Other methodologies commonly take ϕ as a constant
value (typically 40°), but ASME relates it to the ratio of the pin diameter to the hole diameter such that a loose-
tting pin has a smaller shear plane area than a tight- tting pin:
Dp
∘
ϕ = 55
Dh
E ective Width
The term be is referred to as the net width and is the distance between the edge of the hole and the edge of the
lug in the transverse direction, as shown in the gure:
In the tension calculations, an e ective width is calculated and is the smallest of the following:
• bef f .1 = be The e ective width should not be larger than the actual net width.
• bef f .2 = 4t This limit is intended to protect against dishing failure (once the lug
thickness drops below 1/4 of the net width be , the e ective width is
driven down). This limit can be ignored if the lug is sti ened or
constrained against buckling.
•
−−
−
bef f .3 = 0.6be
S tu
√
Dh This equation is empirical, tted to test results.
S ty be
The e ective width is calculated as:
bef f = min (bef f .1 , bef f .2 , bef f .3 )
Design Factor & Service Class

A design factor (i.e. required factor of safety), Nd , is used in the strength calculations. The value for Nd can be
found from the table below:
Design
Condition
Factor
Design Category A lifters (predictable loads, accurately de ned or non-severe
Nd = 2.00
environmental conditions, no more than 20,000 load cycles)
Design Category B lifters (unpredictable loads, uncertain or severe environmental
Nd = 3.00
conditions)
A service class is used to account for fatigue life and is de ned based on the table below:
Service Class Load Cycles

0 0 - 20,000
1 20,001 - 100,000
2 100,001 - 500,000
3 500,001 - 2,000,000
4 Over 2,000,000
Lug Strength Calculations

These strength calculations are only applicable for axially applied loads, as indicated by the applied force arrow in
the gure below:
To determine whether the lug has su cient strength, calculate a factor of safety
(https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#allowable-stress-design) for each of the failure modes
described below. As long as the applied force is within the allowable load, and as long as each factor of safety is
acceptable, then the lug can be considered to pass.
Tensile Strength
The ultimate tensile load is the load that would result in tensile failure across the net section, and is given by:
Pt.u = Cr ⋅ S tu ⋅ At
where Cr is the strength reduction factor (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-strength-

reduction-factor) and Stu is the ultimate tensile strength of the lug. At is the area of the net section and is
calculated by:
At = 2 ⋅ t ⋅ bef f
where bef f is the e ective width (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-e ective-width) and t is

the lug thickness.
The allowable tensile load is based on the design factor, Nd , and is given by:
Pt.u
Pt =
1.20Nd
Note that the allowable tensile load is based on the design factor multiplied by 1.20. ASME requires the design
factor for some of the strength calculations to be higher than the nominal value. The factor of safety is given by:
Pt.u
F St =
Fapp
To meet ASME BTH, the factor of safety must be at least 1.20Nd , but the required factor of safety may be larger
depending on customer requirements or engineering judgement.
Single Plane Fracture Strength
The ultimate single plane fracture load is the load that would result in failure along the plane collinear with the
applied load, and is given by:
Pb.u = Cr ⋅ S tu ⋅ Ab

reduction-factor) and Stu is the ultimate tensile strength of the lug. Ab is an e ective area that is calculated as:
Dh 0.92be
Ab = [1.13 (R − ) + ] ⋅ t
2 1 + be /Dh
where R is the edge distance, Dh is the hole diameter, be is the net width, and t is the lug thickness.
The allowable single plane fracture load is based on the design factor, Nd , and is given by:
Pb.u
Pb =
1.20Nd
Pb.u
F Sb =
Fapp
Double Plane Fracture Strength

The ultimate double plane shear load is the load that would result in shear tear out along the two planes, and is
given by:
Pv.u = 0.70S tu Av

reduction-factor) and Stu is the ultimate tensile strength of the lug. Av is the total area of the two shear planes
and is given by:
Dp
Av = 2 ⋅ [a + (1 − cos (ϕ)) − Z ] ⋅ t
2
where ϕ is the shear plane locating angle (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-shear-plane-

angle) and Z is the loss in shear plane length due to the curvature at the end of the lug. This loss is calculated as:
−−−−−−−−−− −−− −−−
2
Dp
2
Z = r − √r − ( sin (ϕ))
2
Note that if the lug end is at then r is in nity and Z is zero.
The allowable double plane shear load is based on the design factor, Nd , and is given by:
Pv.u
Pv =
1.20Nd
Pv.u
F Sv =
Fapp
Bearing Strength
The ultimate bearing load is the load that would result in bearing failure on either the lug or the pin. This ultimate
load is dependent on the number of load cycles that the connection will be subjected to, and is given by:
∣ 1.25 ⋅ S ⋅ Ap for Service Class 0

ty.min
Pp.u = ∣
∣ 0.63 ⋅ S ty.min ⋅ Ap for Service Class 1 or higher
where Sty.min is the minimum yield strength between the lug and the pin (i.e. Sty.min = min (S ty.lug , S ty.pin ) ).
Ap is the pin bearing area and is calculated by:
Ap = Dp t
The allowable bearing load is based on the design factor, Nd , and is given by:
Pp.u
Pp =
Nd
Pp.u
F Sp =
Fapp
Need Structural Calculators?

(https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/)
We have a number of structural calculators (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/) to choose from. Here
are just a few:
Beam Calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/beam-analysis/)

Bolted Joint Calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/bolted-joint-analysis/)
Bolt Pattern Force Distribution (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/bolt-pattern-force-distribution/)
Lug Calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-analysis/)
Column Buckling Calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/column-buckling/)
(https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/)
Appendix
Discrepancy With Air Force Manual - Oblique Loading

The Air Force Manual speci es to calculate the factor of safety for an obliquely loaded lug
(https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-force-oblique-lug) by drawing a line from the origin that
intersects with the allowable load curve, where the slope of the line is given by:
Pu.L
m =
Ptru.L
where Pu.L is the ultimate load for an axially loaded lug and Ptru.L is the ultimate load for a transversely loaded
lug.
The problem with using the above equation for the slope is that the intersection line is the same regardless of the
angle of the applied force. This problem is illustrated in the gure below:
If the applied force is at an angle of 5° such that it is almost entirely axial, then the point for the applied load
would lie along the blue line as shown in the gure, and the intersection point should re ect a factor of safety
that is very close to that of a pure axially loaded lug. Likewise, if the applied force is at an angle of 85° such that it
is almost entirely transverse, then the point for the applied load would lie along the red line as shown in the
gure, and the intersection point should re ect a factor of safety that is very close to that of a pure transversely
loaded lug. Based on this reasoning, the slope of the line should re ect the applied loading condition:
Ptr /Ptru.L Ptr Pu.L

m = =
Pax /Pu.L Ptru.L Pax
Notes
Note 1: Lug & Clevis Relative Sizing

It should be noted that the gure showing the lug with the clevis pin (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-
analysis#plot-lug-failure-modes) does not accurately depict the relative sizing. The clevis pin should be a relatively
tight t in the lug. Per ASME, the pin diameter should be at least 90% of the lug hole diameter to avoid a
reduction in the joint strength (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-strength-reduction-factor).
Note 2: Axial Load Coe cient Plot

The variable names used in the Axial Load Coe cient plot (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#plot-
axial-load-coe -thin) from the Air Force Manual are inconsistent with the rest of the variable names throughout
the manual. This plot originated in Melcon & Hoblit, and the variable names from the plot were not updated to
match. The Air Force Manual uses the variable e for edge distance (center of hole to edge of lug) and a for the
distance between the edge of the hole to the edge of the lug. However, the plot uses a for the edge distance
(center of hole to edge of lug).
Note 3: Reciprocal Average for Transverse Lug Dimensions

The e ective edge distance for a transversely loaded lug (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#air-
force-transverse-lug) is calculated using a reciprocal average. The e ect of the reciprocal average is that the result
is dominated by the smaller terms such that a disproportionately large value will not drive up the average much,
but a disproportionately small value will drop the average signi cantly (i.e. a weak link -- this is the same e ect
seen by placing springs in series). The use of this equation for calculating the e ective edge distance for a
transversely loaded lug originated with Melcon and Hoblit. They stated that the reason for the coe cient 3 on the
h1 term was to reduce scatter on their test data, but that it made sense because in a transversely loaded lug the
h1 section will be taking most of the load.
Note 4: Relationship Between Ultimate Load Components for Oblique Loading

To calculate the ultimate load components for an obliquely loaded lug (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-
analysis#air-force-oblique-lug), it is necessary to determine a relationship between the ultimate components. It is
known that the actual load ratios are proportional to the ultimate load ratios since these ratios lie along the same
load line:
Rtr Rtr.ult
=
Rax Rax.ult
Express the ratios in terms of the load components and simplify:
Ptr Pu.L.B Ptr.ult Pu.L.B

⋅ = ⋅
Ptru.L.B Pax Ptru.L.B Pax.ult
Ptr Ptr.ult
=
Pax Pax.ult
The load components are related by the angle of the applied load:
Ptr Ptr.ult
tan (α) = =
Pax Pax.ult
Note 5: Factor of Safety for Oblique Loading

It should be noted that the factor of safety for an obliquely loaded lug (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-
analysis#air-force-oblique-lug) can be incorporated into the allowable load curve itself by:
1.6 1.6 1.6

Pax.allow Ptr.allow 1
( ) + ( ) = ( )
Pu.L.B Ptru.L.B FS
The factor of safety can then be calculated directly by:
0.625
⎛ ⎞
1
FS = ⎜ ⎟
⎜ 1.6 1.6
⎟
P ax.allow P tr.allow
⎝ ( ) + ( ) ⎠
P u.L.B P tru.L.B
Mailing List
Subscribe to receive occasional updates on the latest improvements:
Email Address
Subscribe
References
1. ASME BTH-1, "Design of Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices," The American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
2014.
2. Bruhn, E.F., "Analysis and Design of Flight Vehicle Structures," June 1973.
ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=mechanicalc-20&linkId=07e81dbba299931f7bd1e56051ab5df7)
3. Melcon, M.A and F.M. Hoblit, "Development in the Analysis of Lugs and Shear Pins," Product Engineering,
June 1953.
4. Niu, Michael C., "Airframe Stress Analysis and Sizing," October 2011. (https://www.amazon.com/Airframe-
Stress-Analysis-Sizing-Michael/dp/9627128120/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=mechanicalc-
20&linkId=26f036fabf25f12b0ef3e84bcaa55668)
5. "Stress Analysis Manual," Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory, October 1986.
© 2018 MechaniCalc, Inc.
Terms and Conditions (/policies/terms_and_conditions)
Privacy Policy (/policies/privacy_policy)
(https://www.linkedin.com/company/mechanicalc) (https://www.facebook.com/MechaniCalcEng)
(https://twitter.com/MechaniCalcEng) (http://google.com/+MechaniCalcEng)

Lug Analysis

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Lug Analysis

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

3/5/2018 Lug Analysis | MechaniCalc

strongbacks with padeyes, lifted with shackles and other rigging

rotation between components is possible

Lug Analysis Overview (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#analysis-overview)

ASME BTH Method (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#asme-bth-method)

Lug Analysis Overview

1. Tension failure across the net section

There are several common methods of analyzing a lug:

All of these methods are described in the following sections.

In the simpli ed analysis, the following failure modes are considered:

Tension failure across the net section

A factor of safety (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/strength-of-materials#allowable-stress-design) is calculated

The dimensions in the gure are:

r = radius of curvature of edge of lug (greater than or equal to R)

a = distance from edge of hole to edge of lug = R − 0.5Dh

t = thickness (not shown in gure -- thickness is into the page)

Z = loss in shear plane length due to curvature at end of lug

ϕ = shear plane locating angle = 40°

Tension Failure Across Net Section

The area of the net section is given by:

where Stu is the ultimate tensile strength (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/mechanical-properties-of-

The factor of safety is given by:

Shear Tear Out Along Two Planes

The total shear plane area is given by:

Note that if the lug end is at then r is in nity and Z is zero.

where Ssu is the ultimate shear strength of the lug material.

The factor of safety is given by:

The bearing area is given by:

Pbru = S bru Abr

The factor of safety is given by:

Air Force Method

Lug Calculator (https://mechanicalc.com/calculators/lifting-lug-

The dimensions from the gure include:

a = distance from edge of hole to edge of lug = e − 0.5D

Bearing Strength Under Axial Load

∣ Fbru.L Dt if S tu ≤ 1.304S ty

e/D < 1.5 e/D ≥ 1.5

Bushing Bearing Strength Under Axial Load

Pu.B = 1.304S cy.B Dp t

Net Section Strength Under Axial Load

∣ Fnu.L (w − D)t if S tu ≤ 1.304S ty

Ultimate Net-Section Stress: Fnu.L = K n S tu

Yield Net-Section Stress: Fny.L = K n S ty

Pnu.L = K n ⋅ min (S tu , 1.304S ty ) ⋅ (w − D) ⋅ t

Design Strength Under Axial Load

Pu.L.B = min (Pbru.L , Pu.B , Pnu.L )

Lug Strength Under Transverse Load

Ultimate Bearing Stress: Fbru.L = K tru S tu

Yield Bearing Stress: Fbry.L = K try S ty

Bushing Bearing Strength Under Transverse Load

Design Strength Under Transverse Load

Ptru.L.B = min (Ptru.L , Ptru.B )

Looking for a Lug Calculator?

Allows for axial, transverse, or oblique loading

Axial Load Ratio Transverse Load Ratio

Rtr Ptr Pu.L.B

Ultimate Axial Load Ratio Ultimate Transverse Load Ratio

Ptr.ult = Pax.ult ⋅ tan (α)

The ultimate applied load can then be determined by:

The factor of safety is calculated by: (Note 5) (https://mechanicalc.com/reference/lug-analysis#note-factor-of-safety-oblique)

Double Shear Joint Strength

Calculate Joint Strength Ignoring Pin E ects

Pu.J .nom = min (2 ⋅ Pult.F , Pult.M )