Analyses of L-Type Corner Joints Connected with Auxetic Dowels for Case Furniture

Tests were carried out to develop and manufacture various types of auxetic dowels using 3D printing technology. These dowels were then used to connect L-type corner joint specimens for case furniture, and their strength and stiffness were analyzed through experimental, theoretical, and numerical means. In the scope of the study, eight different types of auxetic dowels including two inclusion types, two inclusion sizes, and two dowel hole diameters, as well as a reference non-auxetic dowel, were designed. Accordingly, a total of 180 specimens that included 10 replications for each group were tested; 90 were tested under tension and the remaining 90 were tested under compression. The results demonstrated that the assembly force required for the corner joints connected with auxetic dowels was significantly lower compared to non-auxetic dowels. Furthermore, the numerical and theoretical analyses yielded similar outcomes in this study. Both analyses revealed that the dowels used to connect the corner joints experienced substantial stresses during mounting and bending, ultimately leading to their failure. Upon concluding the test results, it was observed that the corner joints connected with dowels featuring rectangular inclusions exhibited superior performance when compared to those with triangular inclusions. In light of these findings, it can be concluded that further enhancements are necessary for auxetic dowels with rectangular inclusions before they can be utilized as alternative fasteners for traditional dowels.