Morphologic evolution in simulated wood densification

Abstract This study investigates the radial densification of spruce wood using explicit finite element method simulations, focusing on the effects of various densification protocols. These protocols include quasi-static mechanical densification, transverse vibration-assisted mechanical densification, and self-densification through shrinking hydrogel fillings and their impact on the morphogenesis of folding patterns across different tissue types. The simulations incorporate the anisotropic mechanical behavior of wood tracheid walls and account for moisture and delignification effects using a hierarchical approach. Our results reveal the technological potential of targeted densification in creating tailored density profiles that enhance stiffness and strength. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing densification processes in practical applications.