Influence of grain angle on Brinell hardness of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.)

Brinell hardness has been measured on wood surfaces of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) at various angles to the grain. Results show that hardness is highly dependent on grain direction. The hardness value of a radial surface; i.e. when load is applied in tangential direction, is about half of the end-grain surface hardness. For angles between 0 and 90 degrees, hardness measurements are well described by Hankinson's formula. The relation between hardness and density at each load direction has also been studied.