Abstract
The problem of a mode I fracture toughness of wood is considered. After a short discussion of relevant literature the test results concerning mode I fracture on three types of wood and the obtained values of stress intensity factor, KIc, are discussed. The compressive and tensile strength of the wood fibres and flexural strength are also presented. A considerable variation of the stress intensity factor, KIc, has been found to depend on the wood species and the direction of taking specimens for tests. The character of a failure process and the obtained values of the stress intensity factor, KIc, were determined by interrelations of cohesion forces existing between particular components of the wood structure, and by anisotropy of the wood. Both the compressive and tensile strength tests performed along the fibres and the bending strength tests crosswise to the fibres have not confirmed the tendencies observed in the fracture toughness tests. The investigations performed show the usefulness of fracture mechanics for evaluation of the strength properties of wood. It is concluded that materials science must consider wood as a valuable and rewarding material upon which to focus research efforts.
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