Design of panel and panel on frame bookshelves and cabinets
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to develop rational design methods for panel and panel on frame constructions used in bookshelves and cabinets, and to investigate the stiffness of four types of construction including frameless, front framed and panel on frame bookcases, and panel on frame wall cabinets. In the case of frameless and front framed constructions, the contribution of the front frame and individual shelves to overall bookshelf stiffness were investigated along with the effect of material type and thickness on stiffness. Results of performance testing were compared with the results of the structural theories. In the case of panel on frame construction, elastic and creep deflection of panel on frame bookshelves at mid-span were investigated first, followed by a study of the stiffness of panel on frame constructions. Contributions of both the panels and the frame and the effect of type of the wood frame properties to overall case rigidity were investigated. Creep deflections of panel on frame wall cabinets were also investigated. The stiffnesses of these cases were compared with the frameless and front framed cases. Actual test results were compared with the results of finite element analyses. Results indicated that for frameless bookcases, panel thickness and inclusion of a front frame significantly increased structural stiffness. Also, each individual shelf contributed about the same amount to overall bookcase stiffness. Classical analysis and finite element results supported the experimental findings. In the case of panel on frame bookcases, round mortise and tenon joints provided relatively good end rigidity. Creep deflection of the shelves averaged 49 to 54 percent of initial elastic deflection; overall creep recovery reached 87 percent of the total shelf deflection. In both panel on frame bookcases and wall cabinets, panels have significant effect on the stiffness of the structure. Panel on frame bookcases are much stiffer than the frameless and front framed bookcases and are not only stiffer but also much lighter. Finally, results of the studies lead us to conclude that strong and durable panel on frame bookcases and wall cabinets can be produced by means of simple techniques.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Eckelman, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Wood|Technology
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