Sealing joint for connecting adjoining duct pieces in an engine exhaust system

An engine exhaust system comprises duct pieces and a thermally expandable sealing joint for interconnecting their adjoining ends. The sealing joint comprises a tubular body including includes a first axial end portion, a second axial end portion, and a bridge portion extending between them. The first end portion is at least partially positioned within a female recess of the first duct piece and the second end portion is at least partially positioned with a female recess of the second duct piece. The bridge portion can extend across a gap and/or it can be positioned partially within female recesses. Upon thermal activation, the sealing joint radially expands permanently to engage the inner radial surfaces of the duct pieces.