The aim of a current research is to estimate most appropriate numerical modelling approach in order to predict mechanical behaviour of small scale DendroLight® specimens under compression/bending loading conditions. For this task several finite element (FE) modelling techniques has been utilised assessing the supremacy of shell our solid finite element models in ANSYS and ABAQUS commercial software. Due to complicated DendroLight® structure topology a special attention has been devoted to experimental validation of numerical models. Several series of DendroLight® cellular specimens have been tested in longitudinal and transverse compression along with four point bending sandwich samples with HDF (High Density Fibreboard) skins. It has been confirmed that both finite element model types predict specimen mechanical behaviour sufficiently well compared to results obtained experimentally. Obtained differences usually not exceed 20% margin. Moreover it has been concluded that solid elements are more appropriate as they delivers more extensive information about the stress/strain distribution compared to the shell element model.
Keywords: DendroLight®, cellular wood structure, finite element modelling, mechanical testing, ANSYS, ABAQUS
Authors
Labans E.
Institute of Materials and Structures, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
Kalnins K.
Institute of Materials and Structures, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
Login to download the PDF