Effect of selected factors on stiffness of dowel joints

Abstract

Furniture must be designed to suit the intended use. Producers need to guarantee its quality and stiffness. During external loading, there are internal forces that can be transmitted and may result in a failure. This article examines the dowel joint, which is one of the most popular furniture joints. It discusses the effects of selected parameters, such as type of loading (tension and pressure), the size of the dowel (one-half or one-third of the joined parts), wood species [beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and spruce (Picea abies L.)], and the adhesives type (polyvinyl acetate and polyurethane), on the joint stiffness. The effect of the annual rings was also monitored; however it was not determined as significant. Based on the results, the dowel joint is recommended with greater diameters and while using PVAc gluing. Article also deals with test simulation in virtual environment using the programme Solidworks.