Using computed tomography to predict the elastomechanical properties of woodSintič, Jan (Avtor) Straže, Aleš (Mentor) Huber, Johannes (Komentor) woodcomputed tomography (CT)densitymechanical propertiesmodulus of elasticityIn this study, we investigated the predictive ability of density measured by X-ray computed tomography (CT) and gravimetry for determining the modulus of elasticity (MOE) in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), and English oak (Quercus robur L.). We used oriented specimens with four cross-sectional sizes: 20 × 20, 30 × 30, 40 × 40, and 50 × 50 mm. We determined the modulus of elasticity in three anatomical directions of wood (L – longitudinal, R – radial, and T – tangential) using static compression testing (ESL, ESR, EST) and dynamically by measuring ultrasound velocity (EDL, EDR, EDT). The study showed that CT scanning provides a more reliable prediction of the dynamic modulus of elasticity. Using multidimensional analysis with partial least squares regression (PLS-R), we developed a robust predictive model for the dynamic stiffness of the tested wood species, with moderate reliability (R²Y = 0.53, RMSECV = 1.60). We found that mechanical stiffness is primarily determined by specific structural properties of wood, such as the number of pores per unit length, with the most important predictive variables being the maximum density within the pore (Max_LW) and the proportion of latewood, while ring width is a less reliable predictor. Part of the unexplained variance can be attributed to influential variables that were not measured, such as microfibril angle, degree of cellulose crystallinity, and the possible presence of juvenile or reaction wood. The study confirms that CT scanning is a useful tool for non-destructive structural characterisation of wood and for predicting its mechanical stiffness.[J. Sintič]20262026-05-29 07:16:56Magistrsko delo/naloga182945UDK: 630*812(043.2)VisID: 279851COBISS_ID: 279958275sl