Design and Analysis on Interference Fit in the Hardwood Dowel-glued Joint by Finite Element Method

The wood dowel is often used in connection of furniture members due to its convenience. However, it is common to see the wood dowel unfastened in the furniture joint. In order to reinforce traditional dowel-glued joint, a research was undertaken to investigate the feasibility of design and analysis of interference fit in the dowel-glued joint by the finite element method (FEM). Since the joint consisted of the dowel and board member, many factors might influence strength of the joint. The ring angle and board type, two of most concerned factors, would be the examined in this study. On the based of this research it was found that design and analysis of interference fit in the dowel-glued joint by FEM was allowed and the withdrawal strength of wood dowel was significantly influenced by the ring angle and board type. These results would benefit performance evaluation and development of dowel-glued joint design and serve as a reference for practitioners.