FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OTUOKE

(FUO)

JOINTS IN RELATIONS TO MECHANICAL DESIGN

MEE 305
(MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DESIGN)

LUCKY GOODLUCK ELI

FUO/20/MCE/13257

21st JANUARY, 2024

INTRODUCTION
Talking about joints, the various types will be listed, explained and the different
equations used in their application will be talked about in relations to engineering.
 Where:
I = Moment of Inertia

Y = Center of gravity

a = Height fillet weld

B = Width of weld

L = Length of Weld

r = Weld radius

t = Flange thickness

H = Height of fillet
weld group

Stress = Force/Area
Area of weld = weld
throat (SS)
Area of Weld = 2 ×
weld throat (DS)

JOINTS
In engineering, the term “joints” typically refers to the structural connections used
to join members together in various systems, structures, and mechanical assemblies.
Joints are crucial components in engineering and play a fundamental role in ensuring
the integrity, stability, and functionality of the overall system and they serve several
purposes including the following below;

1. Structural Connection: Joints provide a means to connect two or more

structural members together, such as beams, columns, or pipes. These
connections transfer loads and forces between the members, enabling the
structure to withstand various types of loading and environmental conditions.

2. Movement and Flexibility: Depending on the specific application, joints may

allow for controlled movement, flexibility, or articulation between connected
members. In dynamic systems, joints can facilitate rotation, translation,
vibration isolation, or shock absorption.

3. Load Transfer and Distribution: Joints play a critical role in efficiently

transferring and distributing loads and forces within a structure. Properly
designed and executed joints help ensure that loads are transmitted through
the structure in a safe and effective manner, avoiding localized stress
concentrations.

Overall, joints in engineering are essential for creating stable, durable, and dynamic
connections in systems and structures across a wide range of engineering disciplines,
including civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, and
many others.

TYPES OF JOINTS

1. Welded Joint
A welded joint is a type of joint in which two or more metal parts are joined
together using a welding process. Welding is the process of joining two or
more metal pieces or parts by applying heat, pressure, or a combination of
both, with or without the use of filler material. The welding process causes
the parts to fuse together at the molecular level, creating a strong and
permanent bond.

Welded joints are widely used across various industries and applications,
including construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and
shipbuilding. They are essential for building structures, fabricating machinery,
and creating complex assemblies where strong and durable connections are
required.

Some types of Weld joint are drawn in the figure below;

Equations Used in Application

Moment of Inertia;
 𝐿3
𝐼=𝑎×
12
𝐻3
𝐼= 𝑎×
6
Where;
I = Moment of Inertia
a = Height fillet weld
L = Length of weld
H = Height of fillet weld group

2. Dovetail Joint
A dovetail joint is a type of joinery method used in woodworking and
carpentry to connect two pieces of material, typically wood, at right angles.
This joint is known for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It is
commonly used in cabinetry, furniture making, and other woodworking
applications where strong, long-lasting connections are needed.

The dovetail joint is characterized by its trapezoidal or trapezium-shaped

projections and recesses that interlock with one another when joined. The
shape of these interlocking elements resembles the tail of a dove, which is
where the joint gets its name.
3. Hinge Joint
In engineering, a hinge joint typically refers to a mechanical connection that
allows rotational movement around a single axis. This concept is commonly
utilized in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, and
structural engineering, and it has numerous applications.
Key characteristics and applications of hinge joints in engineering include:
• Rotational Motion: Much like hinge joints in the human body, a hinge joint
in a mechanical or structural context allows rotational movement around a
fixed axis. This makes hinge joints suitable for a range of applications,
including designing doors, gates, and other types of structures that require
controlled opening and closing.
• Articulation: Hinge joints enable the articulation of two interconnected
parts, permitting relative motion around a single pivot point. This design
facilitates controlled movement in structural elements as well as
mechanical systems, providing simplicity and robustness in the
mechanism.
• Mechanical Stability: Hinge joints provide stability and controlled
movement within a defined range, making them essential components of
various mechanical and structural systems. Their capacity for reliable
rotational movement helps ensure the integrity and functionality of
numerous engineered structures, doors, cabinets, and machinery.
4. Ball and Socket Joint
In engineering, a ball and socket joint refers to a type of mechanical joint or
connection that allows for a wide range of motion in multiple directions. This
type of joint consists of a sphere (ball) and a corresponding cup-like socket,
where the ball fits into the socket, allowing rotational movement along
multiple axes.
5. Lap Joint
In engineering, a lap joint is a type of joint that involves the overlapping of
two materials or components to create a strong and continuous connection.
This joint is widely used in a variety of my engineering applications, including
structural design, metalworking, woodworking, and the assembly of
mechanical systems. The lap joint provides a significant degree of strength
and resistance to shearing forces, making it suitable for numerous load-
bearing applications.
• Overlapping Design: The lap joint is characterized by the
overlapping of two materials, where one component lies on top of
the other. This overlapping arrangement creates a larger bonded or
 welded area, enhancing the joint’s overall strength and load-bearing
capacity.

6. Mortise and Tenon Joint

The mortise and tenon joint is a classic and widely used woodworking joint
in engineering and construction. Known for its strength, reliability, and
resilience, this joint has been employed for centuries in various architectural,
structural, and mechanical applications.
Characteristics and applications of the mortise and tenon joint in engineering
include:
• Structural Integrity: The joint’s design and construction allow for a
solid, dependable connection capable of withstanding heavy loads
and forces, making it well-suited for load-bearing applications in
architectural and structural engineering.
 • Carpenter’s Joint: The mortise and tenon joint is a staple in
woodworking and carpentry. It is used in the construction of wooden
frames, cabinetry, furniture, and doors, contributing to the enduring
quality and stability of these crafted components.

7. Pivot Joint
It is similar to the hinge joint such that a pivot joint typically refers to a
mechanical connection or support that allows rotational movement around a
fixed axis. This type of joint is crucial in various mechanical and structural
systems, enabling controlled rotation and maneuverability.
8. Soldering Joint
A soldered joint refers to a method of joining two or more metal components
using solder—a low-melting-point metal alloy. This is a commonly used
technique in electrical and plumbing applications, as well as in various forms
of metalwork and jewelry making.
Key characteristics and applications of soldered joints include:
• Soldering Process: During soldering, the metals to be joined are
heated, and the molten solder is applied to the joint. Upon cooling,
the solder solidifies and forms a strong, durable bond, facilitating
electrical and thermal conductivity where applicable.
• Jewelry Making and Metalwork: Soldered joints are integral to
jewelry making and metalwork, facilitating the creation of intricate
 and ornate designs while providing durable connections in various
metalwork projects.

9. Bolted Joint
A bolted joint is a mechanical connection that employs bolts and nuts to secure
two or more components together. This type of joint is commonly found in
numerous engineering and construction applications, including the assembly
of structural elements, machinery, and mechanical systems.

10. Flange Joint

 A flange joint is a critical mechanical connection used extensively in
piping systems, vessels, and process equipment across various
industries. Flange joints are pivotal to facilitating the assembly,
disassembly, and maintenance of interconnected components such as
pipes, valves, pumps, and other mechanical equipment. Here are some
key characteristics and applications of flange joints:
• Assembly and Disassembly: Flange joints allow for the
efficient and accessible joining and separation of
components, enabling ease of maintenance, repair, and
replacement within mechanical systems.

11. Threaded Joint

 A threaded joint refers to a method of joining two or more components
using screw threads to create a secure and reliable connection. Threaded
joints are prevalent in various industries and engineering applications,
offering versatility, ease of assembly, and the capability to handle a
wide range of loads and operating conditions.

12. Adhesive Joint

Adhesive joints is a fascinating method of joining materials using
adhesives. Adhesives are substances capable of holding materials
together by surface attachment. The use of adhesives provides several
advantages, including improved stress distribution, the ability to join
dissimilar materials, and often the conservation of the original material
by avoiding drilling or other invasive attachment methods.
13. Bonded Joint
Bonded joint is the general definition of all joints as it refers to the
assembly of materials or components using adhesives, fast-curing
materials, or other bonding techniques to create a strong and durable
connection. It is a pivotal and fascinating aspect of modern engineering
and manufacturing.