Breakaway Nuts
In industries where equipment safety and operational integrity are paramount, breakaway nuts (also known as shear nuts or frangible nuts) play a vital role as sacrificial fasteners. Engineered to fail under predetermined loads, these nuts protect machinery, structures, and personnel by preventing catastrophic damage during overloads, collisions, or mechanical failures. This article explores the design, applications, and advantages of breakaway nuts, focusing on their role in aerospace, automotive, and industrial systems.
Key Features & Design Principles
1. Controlled Failure Mechanism
Precision-Weakened Zones: Breakaway nuts feature notched grooves or reduced cross-sections designed to shear at specific torque or tension thresholds.
Predictable Load Limits: Calibrated to fail at 50-80% of the bolt’s tensile strength, ensuring controlled separation without damaging adjacent components.
2. Material & Durability
Aerospace-Grade Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant for aircraft applications.
High-Strength Steel: Grade 8.8 or 10.9 for automotive and heavy machinery.
Stainless Steel (A4-316): Marine-grade resistance to saltwater and chemicals.
3. Safety & Compliance
Meets AS9100 (aerospace), ISO 898-1, and ASTM F2281 standards for mechanical performance.
Certified Traceability: Full material lot tracking for critical applications.
Applications Across Industries
1. Aerospace & Aviation
Engine Mounts: Shear nuts secure components while allowing controlled detachment during extreme stress (e.g., bird strikes).
Landing Gear: Fail-safe mechanism to prevent structural damage on impact.
2. Automotive & Racing
Electric Vehicle Batteries: Breakaway nuts isolate battery packs during collisions to mitigate fire risks.
Suspension Systems: Protect chassis integrity by shearing under excessive loads.
3. Industrial Machinery
Robotic Arms: Prevent motor burnout by disconnecting joints during jams.
Conveyor Systems: Shear nuts act as mechanical fuses in overload scenarios.
4. Renewable Energy
Wind Turbines: Safeguard gearboxes by disconnecting blades under extreme wind loads.
