Radial variation of collapse,volumetric shrinkage,moisture conent and density in Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell.

Summary Examination of segmented increment cores from three trees of Eucalyptus regnans demonstrated radial variability as follows: collapse increased with distance from the periphery to about 85% of the radius where it commenced a precipitous decline towards the pith; total volumetric shrinkage increased to about 45% of the radius, gradually declined to 85% radius, then abruptly fell as with collapse; moisture content increased to about 75% radius and abruptly declined at 85–90%; basic density declined with distance from the periphery to about 75% radius, then showed a slight increase towards the pith; per cent saturation remained relatively constant from the periphery to about 90% of the radius, then abruptly declined. It is argued that compression failures in the fibre walls of the brittle heart core were responsible for the precipitous decline in collapse, moisture content and per cent saturation near the pith. Examination of data after separation by density into latewood and earlywood increments demonstrated that latewood tends to be more highly water saturated than earlywood. Similar levels of collapse for material of different densities and correspondingly different saturation values indicated that level of saturation was a more important determinant of collapse susceptibility in latewood than in earlywood.     

Radial dislocations in the fibre wall of Eucalyptus regnans trees of high growth stress

Summary Microscopical examination of the xylem of straight Eucalyptus regnans trees of high growth stress revealed the presence of radial dislocations in the secondary wall of many of the fibres. These features were characterized by a localized disruption in the microfibrillar orientation of the cellulose and were evident in both unlignified and lignified cell walls. Dislocations were not detected in trees having low peripheral growth stress. The origin of these features was suggested to lie in the expansion of the cell wall during the relaxation of longitudinal growth stresses following removal of the sample from the tree. A similar origin of the typically convoluted form of the gelatinous layer of tension wood fibres is discussed.The author expresses his appreciation to Dr. J. D. Boyd for helpful discussions.     

Radial variation in partial compression properties perpendicular to the grain of Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi)

This study investigated the densities, average width of annual rings, and partial compression stresses at 5 % strain perpendicular to the grain of air-dried wood specimens, which were continuous in the radial direction from the pith and were obtained from Japanese larch (Larix kaempferi) trees with different diameters at breast height in the same stand, to evaluate the radial variations in partial compression properties perpendicular to the grain. The air-dried densities of the wood increased with the distance from the pith. The average width of annual rings of the wood tended to decrease with increasing distance from the pith and those of medium- and large-diameter trees seemed to increase near the pith. The partial compression stresses at 5 % strain in the tangential loading direction tended to increase with the distance from the pith and with air-dried wood density. However, in the radial loading direction, this tendency was not observed. The partial compression stresses at 5 % strain in the radial loading direction tended to be low in wood with a small average width of annual rings. These results indicate that the factors affecting the radial variations in the partial compression stress at 5 % strain differ depending on the loading directions.     

Growth stress patterns in tree stems

Growth stresses originate in maturation strains, induced in cambial layers during the differentiation and the maturation of new cells, impeded by the mass of the whole trunk. To predict stresses in a stem, one must add successive incremental stresses at successively created points of the growing trunk. Usual measurements of released strains at the surface of a stem do not give the evolution of maturation strains with growth. As the assumption that states that maturation strains are constant since the beginning of secondary growth leads to singularities near the pith, an empiric pattern of variation of maturation strains along the radius is proposed, using observations about relationships between released longitudinal strain and microfibril angle. Furthermore, assuming an elastic, orthotropic behavior law and a cylindrical, sufficiently long stem, residual stresses are computed and discussed.For hardwoods, far enough from the pith, patterns of computed longitudinal and tangential stresses agree with distributions already stated by other authors although these stress components are limited near the pith. Computed radial stresses have lower levels than commonly admitted. On the other hand, stress-distributions in young softwoods are found very different, especially near the pith where the longitudinal component appears tensile and the tangential one compressive.     

Sampling techniques for measurement of fibre length in eucalyptus species

Summary Individual fibre lengths were measured on the projected images of macerated tissue samples of seven Eucalyptus species grown in a replicated species trial in Zambia. Analyses of variance and variance components were used to study variation between species, replications, distances from the pith, radial positions, microscope slides and individual fibres. The overall mean was 0.93 mm and little variation was attributable to the main factors (fixed effects); two-thircs of total variation was due to differences between fibres within samples. Variance components for random factors were used to compare different sampling strategies; the size of acceptable difference for hardwoods (0.10 ... 0.14 mm) is considerably less than that for conifers and samples of 80 ... 200 fibres may be necessary. Differences between microscope slides were unimportant and two or more slides would be necessary only to facilitate location of the large numbers of fibres or to provide a check on operators.Laboratory work was carried out at Tree Improvement Research Centre, Kitwe, Zambia.     

Radial variations of wood properties in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Casuarina equisetifolia</Emphasis> growing in Bangladesh

Radial variations of wood properties (basic density, fiber length, vessel element length, and compression strength) in plantation-grown Casuarina equisetifolia in Bangladesh were investigated for effective utilization of the wood. Samples disks at breast height were randomly collected from trees in a 10-year-old plantation in Cox’s Bazar Forest Division, Bangladesh. The basic density showed a near-constant value up to 30 mm from the pith and then rapidly increased up to 60 mm from the pith. The fiber length and vessel element length gradually increased from the pith to bark. When radial variation of wood properties was determined according to relative distance from the pith, similar radial patterns were observed among the sample trees, indicating that the wood properties in C. equisetifolia may be related to the growth rate. The compression strength parallel to the grain (CS) increased from the pith to bark. A significant positive correlation was found between the air-dried density and the CS. The results obtained indicated that wood around the pith has a relatively low density, and wood outside the pith area has a relatively high density, suggesting that it could be used as structural lumber. Part of this report was presented at the 58th Annual Meeting of Japan Wood Research Society, Tsukuba, March 2008     

Radial modulus of rupture in radiata pine measured by individual rings

New equipment was developed to measure the strength of individual annual rings in green wood under predominantly tensile stress. This equipment was then used to assess the variation of the radial modulus of rupture (rMOR) in thirty-six 25-year-old radiata pine trees taken from three sites in New Zealand. The rMOR for individual rings ranged from 4.2 to 12.7 MPa and was calculated on the assumption that during bending of the specimens fracture was caused by the tensile force in the radial direction (i.e., perpendicular to the tangential-longitudinal plane). No consistent trends were observed in rMOR from pith to bark; nor was there any evidence of differences between the three sites. However, there was substantial between-tree variability that manifested mainly in different average rMOR values for the trees rather than in variations from pith to bark. These results indicate that there are no concerns with respect to splitting resistance for the juvenile wood of radiata pine. It will be of interest to investigate whether splitting resistance is under genetic control.     

Quality of timber products from Norway spruce

Summary Strength and stiffness together with some properties characterizing the stand and the growth of trees were studied. Specimens (45 × 70 × 2900 mm³) were cut from different radial and longitudinal positions, from fast-grown trees from two stands in southern Sweden. These trees had relatively large annual rings (4–6 mm) and were not representative of Norway spruce in Sweden but are an example of the intensivelymanaged stands which will probably constitute a substantial part of the raw material supply in the future.The results indicate that the mean values for strength and stiffness were lowest for the core studs and increased further away from the pith. This radial variation in strength and stiffness appears to be associated with the variation in ring width. Density alone, on the other hand, does not explain the radial variation but should be used together with either ring width or knot area ratio to explain the stiffness and strength respectively. The increase in the strength and stiffness of the core studs from the butt logs to the top logs was significant. Density alone was found to be the best variable to explain the longitudinal variation between the butt logs and the top logs. The heartwood formation in the butt log juvenile core appeared not to have a positive effect on strength and stiffness. The occurrence of compression wood, the magnitude of grain angle and the margin knot area ratio had only a minor effect on strength and stiffness.The authors gratefully acknowledge the support received from the EEC forest research programme, Contract no MA2B-0024, from NUTEK, project no 9100554 and from Södra Timber AB     

Relationship between fibre morphology and shrinkage of wood

Summary This is a study on the shrinkage of wood representing the wide range of morphology variation in leaning trees. It involved 13 trees of Eucalyptus regnans, one of Eucalyptus sieberi and four of Pinus radiata, and specimens taken at close intervals around the circumference of each. Data indicated a systematic modulation, between extremes at upper and lower sides of each stem, in longitudinal growth strains, relative proportions of thin, medium and thick-walled fibres, microfibril angle in the S₂ layer of these, and both Klason and acid-soluble lignin content. Analyses indicated that the microfibril angle in S₂ was a prime factor in influencing both longitudinal and volumetric shrinkage reactions; proportion of thick-walled fibres in the tissue, thickness of S₂ relative to S₁, and variations in lignification also were involved. Unusually thick-walled fibres were associated with visco-elastic strain recovery effects, which could form a substantial part of dimensional changes apparently attributable to shrinkage.Relevant to 10 of the E. regnans trees in this study, appreciation is expressed to three colleagues for providing access to the detailed data on strain, cell wall thickness, and volumetric shrinkage involved in their published study [Nicholson, J. E., Hillis, W. E., and Ditchburne, N. 1975]. By prior arrangement to minimize duplication of effort, their data were derived from specimens from those trees that were involved in this study.     

Prediction of wood stiffness, strength, and shrinkage in juvenile wood of radiata pine

Development of optimal ways to predict juvenile wood stiffness, strength, and stability using wood properties that can be measured with relative ease and low cost is a priority for tree breeding and silviculture. Wood static modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), radial, tangential, and longitudinal shrinkage (RS, TS, LS), wood density (DEN), sound wave velocity (SWV), spiral grain (SLG), and microfibril angle (MFA) were measured on juvenile wood samples from lower stem sections in two radiata pine test plantations. Variation between inner (rings 1–2 from pith) and outer (rings 3–6 from pith) rings was generally larger than that among trees. MOE and MOR were lower (50%) in inner-rings than in outer-rings. RS and TS were higher (30–50%) for outer-rings than inner-rings, but LS decreased rapidly (>200%) from inner-rings to outer-rings. DEN had a higher correlation with MOR than with MOE, while MFA had a higher correlation with dry wood MOE than with MOR. SLG had higher significant correlation with MOE than with MOR. DEN and MOE had a weak, significant linear relationship with RS and TS, while MOE had a strong negative non-linear relationship with LS. Multiple regressions had a good potential as a method for predicting billet stiffness (R ² > 0.42), but had only a weak potential to predict wood strength and shrinkage (R ² < 0.22). For wood stiffness acoustic velocity measurements seemed to be the most practical, and for wood strength and stability acoustic velocity plus core density seemed to be the most practical measurements for predicting lower stem average in young trees.     

Investigation on transversal variation of poplar tension wood quality using ultrasound wave parameters

Transversal variations of some ultrasound wave parameters (phase velocity, group velocity, attenuation coefficient and acoustic radiation) were measured from the pith to the bark of poplar tension wood discs in different orthotropic directions. Over 80 cubic specimens of 2 × 2 × 10 cm³ (radial, tangential and longitudinal, respectively) were prepared and tested acoustically. Samples containing tension woods were separated from normal ones using anatomical experiments. Results showed acoustical behaviour of normal and tension wood improved in longitudinal direction while the distance between pith and bark increased; also, wave parameter variations were less important in radial and tangential directions. In addition, phase velocity and acoustic radiation – which significantly varied – were the best parameters for quality assessment of poplar wood compared with group velocity and attenuation coefficients. Since samples near the bark were acoustically better than counterparts near the pith, they could be used in products requiring more strength, like lumber. Finally, acoustic radiation and phase velocity were correlated more strongly with density than group velocity and attenuation.     

The distribution of cell wall deformations in fibres adjacent to rays in Eucalyptus pilularis

Summary The distribution of cell wall deformations in the fibre walls adjacent to rays has been examined in five 40 year old Eucalyptus pilularis trees. This distribution was found to be related to both height and distance from the pith within these trees. Growth stresses are thought to influence the formation of fibre cell wall deformations at the ray-fibre contact area except at the marginal ray cell. Deformations in the fibre cell wall, which were at a maximum frequency at the marginal ray cell ray-fibre contact area, are considered to be due to the inflection of the fibre wall around the ray cell.I would like to thank Dr. R. K. Bamber for helpful comments and Mr. T. Groenstein (Biometrician Forestry commission of N.S.W.) for assistance with the statistics.     

Stress wave velocity,basic density,and compressive strength in 34-year-old <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinus merkusii</Emphasis> planted in Indonesia

The relationship between the growth speed and wood properties of Pinus merkusii was investigated using 34-year-old trees planted in Indonesia in an attempt to promote the establishment of plantation of this species. The trees in the test plot were categorized as fast, middle, or slow growing according to the mean stem diameter and standard deviation in the plot. Five trees were selected from each category to investigate the effects of the growth rate on the wood properties [basic density (BD) and compressive strength parallel to the grain in a 5-mm-diameter core sample (CS)]. No significant correlation was recognized between the stem diameter and the stress wave velocity of trees. Clearly lower values of BD and CS were found in slow-growing trees than in fast- and middle-growing trees. The BD of xylem near the pith was reduced by extraction with organic solvent. BD after extraction and CS gradually increased from pith to bark. The results obtained in this study clarified that an early selection of trees with high BD is possible by using the BD after extraction at 4 cm from the pith.     

Geometric model to predict twist in unrestrained boards

A theory has been developed for calculating the twist that develops in boards during drying without restraint, as well as the deformation in cross-section that accompanies the development of twist. Calculations require a knowledge of only a limited number of parameters: width, thickness and length of the board, annual ring orientation, distance from the pith, radial, tangential and longitudinal shrinkage coefficients, and the variation of spiral grain angle (SGA) with distance from the pith. The theory is derived from geometrical and physical principles and shows that a complicated interaction between all the above parameters gives rise to twist. A novel coordinate system is used that is better adapted to the fact that spiral grain lies at an angle to the log axis rather than the usual Cartesian or cylindrical polar coordinates. Unlike the finite element models that have recently been developed this theory does not allow for the effect of stresses that develop in a board, although the theory in its present form can easily be extended to incorporate this effect. The advantage of this theory over the more exact finite element models lies in its educational value in that it clearly identifies the mechanisms that are responsible for twist. An associated MS Excel spreadsheet allows rapid analysis of different scenarios such as the effect on twist of changing the shrinkage coefficients, annual ring orientations and moisture content. The theory predicts that for radiata pine 100×50 mm boards maximum twist occurs near the pith, and that the direction of twist reverses when the distance from the pith is greater than about 120 mm. These predictions are shown to agree with experiment. The theory also predicts that if a radiata pine log is live-sawn (through-and-through sawn) there will be two regions in the mature wood where the quartersawn boards will have large negative twist values, but that this can be avoided by cant- or grade-sawing. In contrast, the theory also predicts that if the SGA is constant at 4° from pith to bark, board twist will decrease smoothly from pith to bark for all annual ring orientations without ever becoming negative.     

Study on Variation Pattern of Microfibril Angle in Chinese Fir

Microfibril angle （MFA） in Chinese fir was tested by X-ray diffraction apparatus and calculated by computer software. The results were as follows： MFA was controlled strongly by inheritance, and there was no significant difference in MFA among interspecies, juvenile and mature wood. In the longitudinal, MFA reduces with the height rising from 0 to 5.5 m, especially in the heights from 0 to 1.5 m. The values of MFA are nearly consistence from 1.5 to 7.5 m. The variation range was between 10.82°and 12.57°from 1.5 to 7.5 m, R2 of power equation achieved 0.932 1, and analysis of variance indicated that the variation of MFA was not significant from 1.5 to 7.5 m, The age of the trees had an important influence on MFA, consequently, the difference in MFA was significant among annual rings in radial, which was maximal in near pith and reduced rapidly from the pith to sapwood, and its decline tendency was slow beyond the ninth annual ring. MFA reached minimum value at the 15th annual ring, and the difference reached more than 20° and R^2 of binomial equation achieved 0.755 6.     

Wood properties of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pericopsis mooniana</Emphasis> grown in a plantation in Indonesia

The relationships between growth characteristics and wood properties were investigated for a threatened species, Pericopsis mooniana, to promote the establishment of plantations of this species in the tropics. Growth characteristics (diameter and height) and stress-wave velocity (SWV) of trees were measured for 22-year-old P. mooniana trees planted in Indonesia. The trees were categorized into three groups, fast-growing, middle-growing, and slow-growing trees, to investigate the effect of growth rate on the wood properties. In addition, radial variation of anatomical characteristics and wood properties were determined. No significant correlation was found between growth characteristics and SWV. The values for the vessel diameter, cell wall thickness of wood fibers, wood fiber length, basic density, modulus of elasticity, and modulus of rupture from wood at the bark side were higher than those at the pith side. On the other hand, vessel frequency gradually decreased from pith to bark. These results suggested that low-quality wood, such as juvenile wood, existed near the pith area.     

Wood anatomy and biometric parameters variation of Eucalyptus globulus clones

Variation in wood anatomy and biometric variables was studied in 14 7-year-old Eucalyptus globulus clones grown in a clonal trial in Arauco, Bio-Bio Region, Chile. Biometric characteristics were measured for each tree and the anatomical variables were measured at three radial positions by image analysis on transverse microsections cut from radial increment cores sampled at breast height. Results showed, that among clones wide ranges of variation were found for vessel frequency, vessel area and vessel coverage. However, narrow ranges of variation were found for fiber wall thickness, fiber diameter and lumen diameter. From pith to bark, mean vessel area and vessel coverage increased gradually, whereas the vessel frequency decreased. The fiber wall thickness did not differ significantly from pith to bark. Mean fiber and lumen diameters showed the same radial pattern, increasing from pith to the midpoint of the radius to reach a plateau close to the bark. Furthermore, important commercial volume gains that can exceed 100% were found. Considering the commercial importance of tree volume, vessel and fiber anatomy in the pulping and papermaking process, it is suggested that the information given in this study may be used as an additional criteria for the selection of E. globulus.     

Longitudinal shrinkage variations within trees of sugi (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cryptomeria japonica</Emphasis>) cultivars

The longitudinal shrinkage variations within trees and the relationship with density, microfibril angle, and modulus of elasticity were examined for five sugi cultivars selected for different within-tree distributions of density, microfibril angle, and modulus of elasticity. The cultivars showed significant differences in longitudinal shrinkage and in its within-tree distribution. The within-tree distributions were categorized into two types: (1) large values of longitudinal shrinkage near the pith that decreased with height and from pith to bark, (2) small values of longitudinal shrinkage near the pith that increased slightly from pith to bark. There were strong relationships between longitudinal shrinkage and microfibril angle, and modulus of elasticity, with large values of longitudinal shrinkage associated with large microfibril angle and low modulus of elasticity. Sugi exhibited large variation in longitudinal shrinkage within stem and among cultivars, with the variation strongly affected by microfibril angle. Part of this article was presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the Japan Wood Research Society, Akita, Japan, August 2006     

Application of the fractometer for crushing strength: juvenile-mature wood demarcation in Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioids)

The fractometer is a device that breaks a radial increment core along the fiber for the measurement of crushing strength, which is a direct wood quality indicator for structural lumber. In this study, the crushing strength of Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hay) trees using the fractometer was investigated and the data were used to determine the position of demarcation between juvenile and mature wood. Segmented regression and variance component analysis were used to estimate the demarcation position. With increasing cambium age, the core wood improves the crushing strength in the outer wood area. Within-tree variations in wood properties were greater than between-tree variations. In this experiment, the position of demarcation between juvenile and mature wood occurred at an approximate distance of 10.8cm to 13.2cm from the pith at about 18–20 years of cambium age.     

Determination of fiber length and juvenile and mature wood zones in Acer velutinum Boiss. trees grown in Iran

In our investigation we studied fiber lengths and the transition age from juvenile to mature wood in Acer velutinum Boiss. For this purpose, samples from three normal maple trees at a Noshahr site in northern Iran were selected. Disks were cut at breast height. Test samples were taken along a radial direction from the pith to the bark, accounting for every ring during a 48-year period. We used the Franklin method to distinguish between fibers of juvenile and mature wood. The results show that the fiber length increased along the radial direction from the pith to the bark. The transition age between juvenile and mature wood was determined at the 14th annual ring from the pith.