The mechanical relevance of wood rays
2003
Burgert, I. (Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kolloid- und Grenzflaechenforschung, Potsdam (Germany). Abteilung Biomaterialien)
Three investigations into the mechanical relevance of wood rays were combined for this article. The main objective was to show, that, apart from physiological functions, rays also significantly influence the radial strength and stiffness of wood. In the first approach twelve deciduous tree species with various proportions of fractions of rays were examined for their transverse tensile strength and stiffness. The second approach was based on the comparison of the radial mechanical properties of wood with a very high proportion of fraction of rays and beech wood with a normal volume. In these two investigations the mechanical relevance of rays could only be deduced indirectly. By isolating big rays of beech and carrying out tensile tests on the tissue, we found direct evidence for the mechanical relevance. The results are discussed with regard to their biomechanical relevance. The importance of a radial reinforcement for the wood is underlined. Moreover, the principle of multi-functionality in nature is emphasized in keeping with a possible transfer of biological design to technical solutions.
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