Intended Audience: for this course are energy, mechanical, electrical, construction, and civil engineers. However, this course could appeal to engineers of other disciplines as well.
The mechanical properties presented in this course were obtained from tests of small pieces of wood termed "clear" and "straight grained" because they did not contain characteristics such as knots, cross grain, checks, and splits.
Many of the mechanical properties of wood tabulated were derived from extensive sampling and analysis procedures. These properties are represented as the average mechanical properties of the species. Variability, or variation in properties, is common to all materials. Because wood is a natural material and the tree is subject to many constantly changing influences (such as moisture, soil conditions, and growing space), wood properties vary considerably, even in clear material. This course provides information, where possible, on the nature and magnitude of variability in properties.
Also included is a discussion of the effect of growth features, such as knots and slope of grain, on clear wood properties. The effects of manufacturing and service environments on mechanical properties are discussed, and their effects on clear wood and material containing growth features are compared.
Topics: • Orthotropic Nature of Wood • Elastic Properties, Modulus of Elasticity, „Poisson's Ratio, Modulus of Rigidity • Strength and Vibration Properties • Common and Less Common Properties • Mechanical Properties of Clear Straight-Grained Wood • Natural Characteristics Affecting Mechanical Properties • Specific Gravity • Knots, Slope of Grain, Annual Ring Orientation, Pitch Pockets, Bird Pecks • Reaction Wood, and Juvenile Wood • Compression Failures • Properties of Timber From Dead Trees • Effects of Manufacturing and Service Environments • Moisture Content , Temperature, Time Under Load, Aging • Exposure to Chemicals, Chemical Treatment • Nuclear Radiation • Mold and Stain Fungi, Decay, Insect Damage
Civil Engneering faculty member for 27 years
Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published numerous technical journal articles and technical reports for a variety of governmental agencies and private sector organizations. Mark P. Rossow, PE, PhD Licensed Professional Engineer in State of Illinois License No. 062.040560 Dr. Rossow is a graduate of the University of Michigan with B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. He taught civil engineering for over 35 years, including six years at Washington University in St. Louis and 29 years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he was the Chair of the Civil Engineering Department for ten years. His areas of expertise are in civil engineering and mechanics. He has consulted for various organizations, including government agencies and an international offshore drilling company. He has published many journal articles and technical reports.
