Compression Characteristics of Sorghum Straw Based on its Microstructure and Inverse Reconstruction

The structural properties of sorghum straw, a sustainable biomass, make it a promising material for applications in agricultural machinery and thin-walled tube bionics.This study analysed its microstructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inverse reconstruction, creating both composite and simplified 3D models.Finite element simulations revealed axial and radial compression characteristics, with the outer skin bearing higher stresses (up to 4,304 MPa) than the foam-like pith core.Vascular bundles, dispersed within basic tissues, vary in size and number across layers, contributing to the structural integrity of the straw.Experimental validation showed that the 3D composite model closely matched stress distribution to compression behaviour, with errors below 15%.The findings offer insights into mechanical properties of sorghum straw, supporting its application in biomedicine, bionics, and engineering.