Strain Analysis based on Numerical Simulation of Bending Deformation of Tree Branch under Distributed Load

Abstract

Tree branches are deformed with large deflection under mechanical loads such as wind, rain and snow weight, and also deformed by own weights including fruits. Stress and strain distribution characteristics under loading are important information to evaluate the mechanical strength of tree branch formations. In this study, a numerical analysis method of large bending deformation was proposed and used for evaluating the deformation behavior of branch focusing on the base angle and diameter changes. The branch model was created as a curved cantilever of tapered shape with a constant elastic modulus. As the simulation results, the large bending deformation for downward under the distributed load condition reduced the bending moment applied at the base end of branch model. And the base angle for upward directions made severe bending strain on the tip side. This simulation was available to estimate the large deflection geometries of cantilever and could be used to predict the failure location on the tree branch.