A Novel Parameter for Representing Bending Performance of Wood with One Value

Abstract

The bending performance of wood can be assessed through mechanical testing, and parameters such as Young's modulus and strength are generally obtained. Although these parameters are fundamental knowledge for researchers and engineers, it may be difficult to understand for individuals lacking expertise in mechanics. Recently, interest has been growing among non-specialists in understanding the mechanical performance of wood harvested from the forests they manage. Looking around the cases in other industrial fields, there are many indicators which is represented with one value by reducing various monitoring result, and they support the individuals to safety and healthy life. Consequently, this study aimed to create a novel parameter facilitating a more intuitive understanding of bending performance. The newly proposed parameter was derived from the first principal component score obtained through a principal component analysis using Young's modulus and bending strength. The parameter enabled easy comparison of mechanical performance between tested data and literature value.