LAUSR

Abstract An important factor affecting the quality of furniture joints is the value of mounting forces. Most of the research to date described in the literature focuses mainly on the reaction of furniture joints to the static loads. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the properties of these joints under dynamic loading conditions. This study aimed to verify the research hypothesis that mounting forces in L-type furniture corner joints have a significant effect on the amount of energy absorbed during low speed impact. The reasons for the damaged joints and the effect of the material type and load schemes used were explained. Newly designed, innovative furniture fasteners and traditional eccentric fittings were examined. Fasteners were mounted in particleboards and medium density fiberboards. The corner joints were subjected to dynamic tension and compression loads. Appropriate numerical models were developed to simulate the response of joints to dynamic loads. As a result, it was demonstrated that the ability of connections to absorb energy significantly depends on the value of the mounting forces and the type of materials used. Furthermore, a positive correlation between the mounting forces and the stiffness and strength of these joints was confirmed.