Designing a bolted joint requires consideration of several factors. First, the strength and stiffness of the clamped parts must be determined to ensure that the joint can withstand the expected loads.
The strength and stiffness of the bolt must also be considered to ensure that it does not fail under load. The choice of bolt material and diameter should be based on the expected loads, environmental conditions, and other factors such as corrosion resistance.
The length of the bolt should be chosen to provide adequate clamping force and avoid excessive stress concentrations in the clamped parts, it's essential to ensure that the bolt is less stiff than the clamped parts. The choice of bolt tightening method should also be considered, as this can affect the preload and the distribution of forces in the joint.