Some orthotropic mechanical properties of Sessile oak (Quercus petrea) as influenced by moisture content

Abstract

In this study, the influence of moisture content on some orthotropic mechanical properties of sessile oak which is one of the most important wood species grown in Turkey and common in the furniture industry have been investigated. The properties studied include Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratios and compression strength of oak wood in three anatomical directions. These properties are important input parameters for three dimensional modeling of mechanical behavior in advanced computer programs such as finite elements. The samples which were approximately 20 x 20 x 60 mm in dimensions were conditioned at 20 °C and 50, 65, 85, 95 % relative humidity conditions for 6-8 weeks and subjected to compression tests in order to determine elastic and strength properties. Results indicate that properties investigated significantly differ among all anatomical directions. Young’s modulus ranged from 10305 to 6984 N/mm 2 in L direction, from 2032 to 1132 N/mm 2 in R direction and from 1208 to 715 in T direction. Compression strength varied between 48.5 and 25.5 N/mm 2 in L direction, 16.45 and 9.60 MPa in R direction, and 10.2 and 7.1 in T direction. Poisson’s ratios are found to be in between 0.061 and 0.7. Results indicated that all properties of the samples tested were strongly affected by moisture content.