Influence of Machine Setting and Wood Parameters on Crack Formation in Scots Pine Joints Produced by Linear Friction Welding

Abstract

Previous investigations on linear welded woods have shown that the connections are not sufficiently resistant to water for use in outdoor conditions. Therefore, they are utilized mainly for non-structural use, with only short time exposure to varying humidity. Influences of some welding and wood parameters such as welding pressure, welding time and heartwood or sapwood on crack formation in the weldline of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) were investigated. Axial samples measuring 200 mm × 20 mm × 20 mm from Scots pine were welded, placed vertically in 5-mm-deep tap water and were taken out of the water one at a time after each 10 min of water absorption. Then they were scanned and put back into water until the first crack appeared in the weldline. An X-ray Computer Tomography (CT-) scanner was used to monitor water movement and density change in the weldlines during water absorption–desorption. CT-scanning enabled to detect the cracks as they formed in the weldline and could be used in wood welding studies. Data evaluation showed that all the three studied parameters had significant effects on crack formation and that crack occurrence could be postponed by using heartwood samples with 1.3 MPa welding pressure and 1.5 s welding time.