Abstract: The bolted flange structure with rabbet fit is taken as the research object， and the numerical simulation analysis is carried out by using ANSYS finite element software. Based on the contact algorithm and solid element modeling method， the static characteristics of the structure under lateral load are analyzed， and the differences of contact state and bending stiffness between the structure with rabbets and the structure without rabbets are compared. On this basis， the influence of different parameters on the contact characteristics and bending stiffness is discussed， which provides a reference for the subsequent design of flange structures with the rabbet-bolt connection. The results show that the increase of rabbet length is helpful to reduce the area of compression area and the maximum value of contact pressure， and the number of bolts is the most important factor affecting the bending stiffness， followed by the rabbet length and friction coefficient， and then the bolt preload， while the interference of rabbets has the least effect on the bending stiffness. At the same time， good contact state is conductive to improving the bending stiffness of the structure.

Key words: rabbet; bolted joint; contact characteristics; bending stiffness; rabbet length; interference