A method for generating finite element models of wood boards from X-ray computed tomography scans

Abstract A method is presented for reconstructing the geometry, the pith, the knots and the local fibre orientations in timber boards, based on X-ray computed tomography scans. The local fibre deviations around knots were found by a new algorithm, based on image analysis. The experimental data comprised tomography scans, eigenfrequency measurements and four-point bending tests of 20 Norway spruce boards. 3D and 1D finite element models of the pure bending zone of the bending tests were created, accounting for the exact board geometry and the reconstructed fibre deviations. A purely density based, a purely eigenfrequency based, and a mixed constitutive law were compared. Model estimations showed a high coefficient of determination ( R 2 ) for global modulus of elasticity (MoE) ( R 2 ⩽ 0.93 ), local MoE ( R 2 ⩽ 0.87 ), bending strength ( R 2 ⩽ 0.83 ), and the location of initial failure. Constitutive laws accounting for eigenfrequency showed the most accurate results. In the future, adapting the method for logs could enable analyses of boards before sawing.