Hi,

I am trying to simulate an assembly with a threaded rod that screws into a block and is secured with a nut, then the other end of the threaded rod goes through a plate and is secured to the plate using two nuts, one from the bottom and one from the top.  The reason behind this is to allow the distance between the plate on top and the block on the bottom to be adjustible from the two nuts at the top plate. (see attached)

Now the question is how do i define the connections as bolted connections when trying to run a static simulation? 

Also a side question should the bolts/threaded rod be simulated as smooth surfaces or would it be best (more accurate) to cut the threads?  If the latter how does one mate it to the threaded nuts/block without having interference issues?

Thanks for your help!!!!

Andrew