Iris Brémaud

Anisotropy of wood vibrational properties: dependence on grain angle and review of literature data

The anisotropy of vibrational properties influences the acoustic behaviour of wooden pieces and their dependence on grain angle (GA). As most pieces of wood include some GA, either for technological reasons or due to grain deviations inside trunks, predicting its repercussions would be useful. This paper aims at evaluating the variability in the anisotropy of wood vibrational properties and analysing resulting trends as a function of orientation. GA dependence is described by a model based on transformation formulas applied to complex compliances, and literature data on anisotropic vibrational properties are reviewed. Ranges of variability, as well as representative sets of viscoelastic anisotropic parameters, are defined for mean hardwoods and softwoods and for contrasted wood types. GA-dependence calculations are in close agreement with published experimental results and allow comparing the sensitivity of different woods to GA. Calculated trends in damping coefficient (tanδ) and in specific modulus of elasticity (E′/ρ) allow reconstructing the general tanδ-E′/ρ statistical relationships previously reported. Trends for woods with different mechanical parameters merge into a single curve if anisotropic ratios (both elastic and of damping) are correlated between them, and with axial properties, as is indicated by the collected data. On the other hand, varying damping coefficient independently results in parallel curves, which coincide with observations on chemically modified woods, either “artificially”, or by natural extractives.

Extractives of muirapiranga (Brosimun sp.) and its effects on the vibrational properties of wood

The potential of muirapiranga (Brosimun sp.) as a substitute material for violin bows was estimated in terms of vibrational properties, and the influence of extractives on the vibrational properties was examined. The loss tangent of muirapiranga was somewhat higher and the specific dynamic Young’s modulus was rather lower than the respective values for pernambuco, which is regarded as the best material for violin bows. Therefore, muirapiranga is a poorer bow material in terms of vibrational properties. Impregnation of crude extractives from muirapiranga decreased the loss tangent of other wood specimens. The main compounds of the extractives were identified as xanthyletin and luvangetin. Impregnations of isolated xanthyletin and commercially available methoxsalen, which was tested as an analogue of luvangetin, markedly decreased the loss tangent of other wood specimens. Methoxsalen and xanthyletin differ from conventional loss tangent-decreasing substances, namely protosappanin B and hematoxylin, in terms of water insolubility and the absence of hydroxyl groups. From the similarity in molecular characteristics of loss tangent-decreasing substances found so far, restriction of molecular motion due to an impregnated substance in the wood matrix is suggested as one loss tangent-decreasing mechanism.

Changes in viscoelastic vibrational properties between compression and normal wood: roles of microfibril angle and of lignin

Abstract This study aims at better understanding the respective influences of specific gravity (γ), microfibril angle (MFA), and cell wall matrix polymers on viscoelastic vibrational properties of wood in the axial direction. The wide variations of properties between normal wood (NW) and compression wood (CW) are in focus. Three young bent trees (Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Pinus pinaster), which recovered verticality, were sampled. Several observed differences between NW and CW were highly significant in terms of anatomical, physical (γ, shrinkage, CIELab colorimetry), mechanical (compressive strength), and vibrational properties. The specific dynamic modulus of elasticity (E′/γ) decreases with increasing MFA, and Young’s modulus (E′) can be satisfactorily explained by γ and MFA. Apparently, the type of the cell wall polymer matrix is not influential in this regard. The damping coefficient (tanδ) does not depend solely on the MFA of NW and CW. The tanδ – E′/γ relationship evidences that, at equivalent E′/γ, the tanδ of CW is approximately 34% lower than that of NW. This observation is ascribed to the more condensed nature of CW lignins, and this is discussed in the context of previous findings in other hygrothermal and time/frequency domains. It is proposed that the lignin structure and the amount and type of extractives, which are both different in various species, are partly responsible for taxonomy-related damping characteristics.

Internal friction measurement of tropical species by various acoustic methods

A batch of 54 tropical species was analyzed using free-vibration and forced-released vibration tests. The free-vibration tests were conducted by bending and compression using nylon thread or elastic thread as supports. The wood species used cover a broad spectrum of density values and were obtained from the CIRAD wood collection. Samples were stabilized at a mean moisture content of 11.1%. The goals of the study were (a) to observe the effects of nylon or elastic supports on the measurement of vibration damping, (b) to compare the damping measurements obtained through free vibration in bending and in compression, (c) to understand the relationship between temporal damping and internal friction based on free-vibration and forced-vibration bending tests, and (d) to observe the effect of frequency on bending free-vibration damping on a rosewood specimen (Dalbergia sp., Madagascar). In this study we were able to demonstrate that (a) the type of support has a significant influence on the measurement of the temporal damping, (b) the temporal damping measurements obtained during bending free vibration are linearly linked to those obtained during compression vibration, (c) the expression of internal friction ηV according to temporal damping α was identical during compression and bending free vibration: ηV = α/(πf), and (d) changes in temporal damping α according to frequency f can be modeled in the form α = β1f2 - β2f4. This form is theoretically justified as the first-order form obtained from the generalized differential equation of linear viscoelasticity.

Effect of extractions on dynamic mechanical properties of white mulberry (Morus alba)

Vibrational properties of wood are affected by several parameters, of which extractives can be one of the most important ones. Wood for European musical instruments has been often studied, but traditional Middle Eastern ones had been left unnoticed. In this study white mulberry (Morus alba L.), the main material for long-necked lutes in Iran, was extracted by five solvents of various polarities (water included). Free-free bar forced vibrations were used to measure longitudinal (L) loss tangent (tanδ), storage (elastic) modulus (E′) and specific modulus (E′/γ) in the acoustic range. Their anisotropy between the 3 axes of orthotropy was determined by dynamic mechanical analysis. Native wood had a quite low EL′/γ but its tanδ was smaller than expected, and the anisotropy of tanδ and E′/γ was very low. Removal of extractives caused tanδ to increase and moduli to decrease. Acetone, the most effective solvent on damping despite a moderate extraction yield, increased tanδL by at least 20% but did not modify E′/γ as much. When used successively, its effects masked those of solvents used afterwards. Anisotropy of E′/γ was nearly unchanged after extraction in methanol or hot water, while tanδ was much more increased in R than in T direction. Results suggest that in white mulberry, damping is governed more by nature and localization of extractives rather than by their crud abundance.

Physico-chemical indicators of inter-specific variability in vibration damping of wood

Abstract• The vibration damping coefficient (tanδ) of wood is an important property for acoustical uses, including musical instruments. Current difficulties in the availability of some of the preferred species call for diversification, but this comes up against the lack of systematic damping coefficient data.• Keeping in mind the possible factors affecting tanδ, could we predict its variations between species, by using indicators that are either easily measured and/or readily available for many species?• Vibrational properties, equilibrium moisture content and colorimetric parameters were assessed on 94 wood types belonging to 76 species. Experimental results were then related to data on chemical contents and physical properties from the CIRAD database. The “standard” relationship between tanδ and specific modulus of elasticity (E’/ρ) explained only half of the variations. Deviations from this trend were correlated to extractives content, yet effects were not directly quantitative. Damping deviations were also correlated to colour and moisture-related properties, especially so with fibre saturation point.• By taking into account a combination of moisture-related properties, colour — or extractives content, and the “standard” relationship between tanδ and E’/ρ, we could propose simple predictive models which explain up to 89% of observed variations in tanδ between 48 species.

Relationship among extractives, lignin and holocellulose contents with performance index of seven wood species used for bows of string instruments

In this paper we investigate the influence of extractives, lignin and holocellulose contents on performance index (PI) of seven woods used or tested for violin bows. Woods with higher values of this index (PI = √MOE/ρ, where MOE is modulus of elasticity and ρ is density) have a higher bending stiffness at a given mass, which can be related to bow wood quality. Extractive content was negatively correlated with PI in Caesalpinia echinata, Handroanthus sp. and Astronium lecointei. In C. echinata holocellulose was positively correlated with PI. These results need to be further explored with more samples and by testing additional wood properties. Although the chemical constituents could provide an indication of quality, it is not possible to establish appropriate woods for bows solely by examining their chemical constituents.

Relationships between anatomical and vibrational properties of wavy sycamore maple

Sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) is a wood species particularly known for its wavy grain figure and its high-value utilization among luthiers and craftsmen for making musical instruments or furniture. In this study, the anatomical and physical-acoustical characteristics of its wood, taken from different trees with various surface figures, were characterized. Vibrational mechanical measurements were conducted taking into account radial and longitudinal directions and local variations. Waviness parameters were quantified on split blocks, and anatomical properties such as microfibril angle and ray dimensions were measured using light microscopy. Results provide a complete dataset on the properties of sycamore maple along a gradient of the wavy figure. Through statistical analysis, significant correlations were found between the measured parameters, particularly between the waviness and microfibril angle, and between the anatomical features and the specific modulus of elasticity and damping by internal friction of the wood in the longitudinal direction. Anisotropy was found to be very low but was not satisfactorily explained by the studied anatomical features. Prospects for future studies on the wavy figure are discussed.

The effect of traditional hygro-thermal pretreatments on the acoustical characteristics of white mulberry wood (Morus alba)

The wood used in making musical instruments usually undergoes pre-treatments or conditioning. Some processes have resulted from laboratory research, while many treatments are applied by craftsmen using traditional methods that have not yet been scientifically assessed. This paper is based on laboratory methods which simulate hydrothermal pre-treatments traditionally applied by Iranian lute makers to mulberry (Morus alba), an important wood for lutes from the Middle East to Japan. By applying a cyclic process, drying (60°C) and ambient re-conditioning, which mimics wood seasoning and short-term aging, the damping coefficient (tanδ) was decreased down to 10% without negatively affecting specific modulus of elasticity (E’/ρ). Long-term (up to 4 months) soaking in cold water removed extractives, and decreased density as well as E’/ρ, but did not affect tanδ. Short-term hot water treatment removed as many extractives, but caused a smaller decrease in E’/ρ than cold water, and significantly increased tanδ. This paper helps to clarify some traditional processes used by instrument makers, and can provide a basis for necessary cross-cultural scientific studies in the future.

Erratum to: Identification of anisotropic vibrational properties of Padauk wood with interlocked grain

Erratum to: Wood Sci Technol (2010) 44:355–367DOI:10.1007/s00226-010-0348-0Due to a processing error the caption of Fig. 1 and the third sentence of theconclusion were incorrect. The description of a system of axis [1, 2, 3] was wronglyreplaced by (Akitsu et al. 1993; Aramaki et al. 2007; Bodig and Jayne 1982). Thecorrected caption and the sentence are given below.Fig. 1 Schematic view of the sampling procedure and of the systems of axis relatedto the trunk and specimens [R, T, L] and to the grain direction [1, 2, 3].Conclusion.(…) Mechanical parameters in the fibre-related system of axis [1, 2, 3]were identified for untreated and extracted Padauk wood. (…)