Voxel-based finite element modelling of wood elements based on spatial density and geometry data using computed tomography

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, voxel-based finite element modelling based on spatial geometry and density data is applied to simulate the detailed stress and strain distribution in a large wood element. As example, a moulded wooden tube with a length of 3 m and a diameter of 0.3 m is examined. Gamma-ray computed tomography is used to obtain both, its actual geometric shape and spatial density distribution. Correlation functions (R2 ≈ 0.6) between density and elastic material properties are experimentally determined and serve as link for defining the non-uniform distribution of the material properties in the finite element model. Considering the geometric imperfections and spatial variation of the material properties, a detailed analysis of the stress and strain distribution of a wood element is performed. Additionally, a non-destructive axial compression test is applied on the wooden tube to analyse the load-bearing behaviour. By means of digital image correlation, the deformation of the surface is obtained, which also serves for validation of the finite element model in terms of strain distributions.