Nonlinear Axial Stiffness Characteristics of A.xisymmetric Bolted Joints by Ian R. Grosse Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy C. E. Knight H. H. Mabie m Mechanical Engineering APPROVED: L. D. Mitchell May 28, 1987 Blacksburg, Virginia N. S. Eiss J. N. Reddy