Research and Application of Optimal Chair Design Using Green Materials Based on the Finite Element Method

Ming-style round-backed armchairs, as a classic Chinese chair design, are renowned for their blend of ergonomics, practicality, and elegance. Although the Chinese armchair furniture industry has made strides in sustainability, further improvements in material selection, manufacturing processes, and supply chain management are still needed to fully support the development of sustainable furniture. Laminated bamboo lumber, as a new sustainable material, is becoming an increasingly popular option for furniture designers in the era of "sustainable design." This research aims to investigate the feasibility and application of laminated bamboo lumber in the design of Chinese armchairs and proposes innovative ideas for optimizing the armchair's structure. First, an empirical study was conducted to comprehensively analyze the structural classification of Ming-style round-backed armchairs and develop a 3D model. Second, an experimental research method was employed to explore the parameters of laminated bamboo lumber for future applications. Additionally, a validation experiment was conducted to compare real-world scenarios with simulations using finite element analysis in ANSYS. The feasibility of using laminated bamboo lumber in furniture design was then evaluated through finite element analysis, focusing on the material’s mechanical properties. Results indicate that laminated bamboo lumber possesses excellent mechanical characteristics suitable for furniture design. Consequently, by applying optimized results, the use of 0.6319 kg of steel was successfully reduced by 23.68% while maintaining the armchair’s stability. This research provides a reference for future computer-assisted and standardized innovative designs of Chinese armchairs. By incorporating computer-assisted design and lightweight optimization, it is possible to save materials and use resources more efficiently, thereby contributing to sustainable development goals in the field of furniture design.