bj p,
I took your attached model and applied a symmetry constraint, just to show that symmetry does work in Creo Simulate. Whenever the model and loading has symmetry, use symmetry constraints. This will reduce your run time.
I know that you place a rigid link on the bolt, but I removed it just to show the effects of bolt bending using symmetry, and the rigid link can be easily restored.
Also, I put a surface region on the bolt up to the surface of the bracket (surface region is 25 mm long), and the load is applied to this surface without going through the bracket hole.
Usually when there is a load applied to a bolt, there is bending of the bolt, as you can see in the attached displacement.
I attached my model, just in case you want to look at it and run some investigations.
Hope this helps.
