Abstract
Bamboo has a composite structure since its cylindrical wall consists of bundle sheath and parenchyma. In this study, the relationships among its mechanical properties, the volume fraction of bundle sheath and the specific gravity were investigated.
The experimental results obtained are as follows.
(1) The volume fraction of bundle sheath Vf increased approximately parabolically toward the outer bark from the inner bark, and also increased relatively with height.
(2) The specific gravity ρ and Young's modulus E also increased similar to Vf. Therefore, Vf could be evaluated by the measurement of ρ because a linear relationship existed.
(3) The mechanical properties could be evaluated by the measurement of ρ because the rules of mixture existed between Vf and E or σB in the experimental region.
