Investigation on transversal variation of poplar tension wood quality using ultrasound wave parameters

Transversal variations of some ultrasound wave parameters (phase velocity, group velocity, attenuation coefficient and acoustic radiation) were measured from the pith to the bark of poplar tension wood discs in different orthotropic directions. Over 80 cubic specimens of 2 x 2 x 10 cm(3) (radial, tangential and longitudinal, respectively) were prepared and tested acoustically. Samples containing tension woods were separated from normal ones using anatomical experiments. Results showed acoustical behaviour of normal and tension wood improved in longitudinal direction while the distance between pith and bark increased; also, wave parameter variations were less important in radial and tangential directions. In addition, phase velocity and acoustic radiation - which significantly varied - were the best parameters for quality assessment of poplar wood compared with group velocity and attenuation coefficients. Since samples near the bark were acoustically better than counterparts near the pith, they could be used in products requiring more strength, like lumber. Finally, acoustic radiation and phase velocity were correlated more strongly with density than group velocity and attenuation.