Wavy Sycamore Maple: Relationships between Anatomical, Physical, Mechanical, and Vibrational Properties

Abstract

Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is a wood species particularly known for its wavy grain figures and its high-value utilization among luthiers and craftsmen for musical instruments or furniture making. Although past separate studies had determined its properties, little had been done in order to quantify the waviness characteristics of its unique patterns and the correlations between its properties which include the anatomical, physical, mechanical, and vibrational or acoustical characteristics. Backed by its high degree of valuation and utilization, this research was conducted in order to study the characteristics of sycamore maple and how they correlate with each other. The specimens taken for the measurements were procured from different trees with various surface figures. Vibrational and mechanical measurements were conducted using Vybris, a semi-automated device developed by Gifu and Kyoto University, Japan and manufactured in LMGC (Laboratoire de Mécanique et Génie Civil) in Montpellier, France by taking into account the radial and longitudinal directions and its local variations. Waviness’ characteristics were quantified by measuring the wood blocks which were splitted parallel to the grain, while anatomical properties such as microfibril angle and rays’ dimensions were measured using light microscopy. Results from this study provide a dataset regarding the properties of wavy sycamore maple. Through statistical analysis, it can be concluded that there are significant correlations between the measured parameters, particularly between waviness, microfibril angle, the specific modulus elasticity, and damping coefficient by internal friction of the wood in longitudinal direction. The anisotropy properties were found to be very low but was not satisfactorily explained by the anatomical features studied. Future studies using similar methods should be conducted with larger number of speciments and refined statistical analysis models. Analysis regarding the mechanical model of wavy-grain wood, which may include variables such as MFA, grain angle, and waviness, should be conducted.