Ultrasound test for root wood elastomechanical characterization

Abstract

The objective of this study was to verify the applicability and preliminary results of an ultrasound methodology for the complete characterization of root wood. The tests utilized six species: Swietenia macrophylla, Gallesia integrifólia, Swietenia sp., Schinus molle, Handroanthus heptaphyllus, and Acrocarpus fraxinifolius. The results show expected elastic ratios between properties, indicating that although the properties can differ numerically from roots and other parts of the tree, the orthotropic wood behavior is maintained. The root densities were higher than those reported in the literature for trunk wood, but direct relationships among high density and stiffness or strength properties were not observed. The ultrasound tests allowed 12 elastic constants of root wood to be obtained and were feasible for root dimensions because only one specimen was required