Finite element analysis of dovetail joint made with the use of CNC technology

Abstract

The objective of the paper is the parametrization and the finite element analysis of mechanical pro­per­ties of a through dovetail joint made with the use of a specific procedure by a 3-axis CNC machine. This corner joint was used for the simulation of the bending load of the joint in the angle plane – by compression, i.e. by pressing the joint together. The deformation fields, the stress distribution, the stiffness and the bending moment of the joints were evaluated. The finite element system ANSYS was used to create two parametric numerical models of the joint. The first one represents an ideal­ly stiff joint – both joint parts have been glued together. The second model includes the contact between the joined parts. This numerical model was used to monitor the response of the joint stiffness to the change of the static friction coefficient. The results of both models were compared both with each other and with similar analyses conducted within the research into ready-to-assemble furniture joints. The results can be employed in the designing of more complex furniture products with higher demands concerning stiffness characteristics, such as furniture for sitting. However, this assumption depends on the correction of the created parametric models by experimental testing.

Keywords

• furniture
• dovetail joint
• numerical simulation
• mechanical properties
• CNC technology