In this study, the mechanical joint performance of the V-Insert clamp applied to automobile exhaust pipes was evaluated through the experimental investigation of its axial load capacity. The axial load of the V-Insert clamp was also determined by using theoretical equations presented by Shoghi and compared with the experimental results. As results of the theoretical prediction, the axial load of the V-Insert clamp tended to increase along with smaller angle of the V-Insert segment and the lower friction coefficient between the V-Insert segment and exhaust pipes. The experimental results under tightening effects were similar to the theoretical results and the axial load of the V-Insert clamp presented maximum values in the range of all torques at distance of 2㎜ between each exhaust pipes. The experimental results under loading effects were similar to the theoretical results in the range of lower torques but deviated from the theoretical results in the range of higher torques. These results would be beneficial to improve the joint and sealing performance of the V-Insert clamp.
