Abstract: Grain deviations and high extractives content are common features of many tropical woods. This study aimed at clarifying their respective impact on vibrational properties, referring to African Padauk (Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub.), a species selected for its interlocked grain, high extractives content and uses in xylophones. Specimens were cut parallel to the trunk axis (L), and local variations in grain angle (GA), microfibril angle (MFA), specific Young's modulus (E' (L) /rho, where rho stands for the density) and damping coefficient (tan delta(L)) were measured. GA dependence was analysed by a mechanical model which allowed to identify the specific Young's modulus (E'(3)/rho) and shear modulus (G'/rho) along the grain (3) as well as their corresponding damping coefficients (tan delta(3), tan delta(G)). This analysis was done for native and then for extracted wood. Interlocked grain resulted in 0-25A degrees GA and in variations of a factor 2 in E'(L)/rho and tan delta(L). Along the grain, Padauk wood was characterized, when compared to typical hardwoods, by a somewhat lower E'(3)/rho and elastic anisotropy (E'/G'), due to a wide microfibril angle plus a small weight effect of extracts, and a very low tan delta(3) and moderate damping anisotropy (tan delta(G)/tan delta(3)). Extraction affected mechanical parameters in the order: tan delta(3) a parts per thousand tan delta(G) > G'/rho > > E'(3)/rho. That is, extractives' effects were nearly isotropic on damping but clearly anisotropic on storage moduli.

Abstract: The anisotropy of vibrational properties influences the acoustic behaviour of wooden pieces and their dependence on grain angle (GA). As most pieces of wood include some GA, either for technological reasons or due to grain deviations inside trunks, predicting its repercussions would be useful. This paper aims at evaluating the variability in the anisotropy of wood vibrational properties and analysing resulting trends as a function of orientation. GA dependence is described by a model based on transformation formulas applied to complex compliances, and literature data on anisotropic vibrational properties are reviewed. Ranges of variability, as well as representative sets of viscoelastic anisotropic parameters, are defined for mean hardwoods and softwoods and for contrasted wood types. GA-dependence calculations are in close agreement with published experimental results and allow comparing the sensitivity of different woods to GA. Calculated trends in damping coefficient (tan delta) and in specific modulus of elasticity (E'/rho) allow reconstructing the general tan delta-E'/rho statistical relationships previously reported. Trends for woods with different mechanical parameters merge into a single curve if anisotropic ratios (both elastic and of damping) are correlated between them, and with axial properties, as is indicated by the collected data. On the other hand, varying damping coefficient independently results in parallel curves, which coincide with observations on chemically modified woods, either “artificially”, or by natural extractives.

Abstract: Introduction Stem CO(2) efflux (E (s)) is a significant component of total ecosystem respiration, but there is only scant information on seasonal variations in E (s) in tropical rainforests and on the main factors explaining these variations. Methods We conducted a comprehensive 18-month study in French Guiana to try to better understand which environmental factors contribute to seasonal variations in E (s) in two habitats differing in soil water conditions. Results In both habitats, large seasonal variations in E (s) were observed for most trees. The main variations occurred during climatic transition periods and were consistent with seasonal variations in soil and total ecosystem respiration. Discussion Seasonal variations in atmospheric conditions, including air temperature, did not explain seasonal variations in E (s). In contrast, seasonal variations in surface soil water content clearly induced seasonal variations in E (s) in each habitat. Both soil drought and flooded conditions induced a decrease in E (s). Conclusion Our results emphasize the need to integrate the influence of soil water content on E (s) into global models that simulate the response of forest ecosystem fluxes to climate changes.

Abstract: The lack of information on the ways seasonal drought modifies the CO2 exchange between Neotropical rainforest ecosystems and the atmosphere and the resulting carbon balance hinders our ability to precisely predict how these ecosystems will respond as global environmental changes force them to face increasingly contrasting conditions in the future. To address this issue, seasonal variations in daily net ecosystem productivity (NEPd) and two main components of this productivity, daily total ecosystem respiration (R-Ed) and daily gross ecosystem productivity (GEP(d)), were estimated over 2 years at a flux tower site in French Guiana, South America (5 degrees 16'54'N, 52 degrees 54'44'W). We compared seasonal variations between wet and dry periods and between dry periods of contrasting levels of intensity (i.e. mild vs. severe) during equivalent 93-day periods. During the wet periods, the ecosystem was almost in balance with the atmosphere (storage of 9.0 g C m(-2)). Seasonal dry periods, regardless of their severity, are associated with higher incident radiation and lower R-Ed combined with reduced soil respiration associated with low soil water availability. During the mild dry period, as is normally the case in this region, the amount of carbon stored in the ecosystem was 32.7 g C m(-2). Severe drought conditions resulted in even lower R-Ed, whereas the photosynthetic activity was only moderately reduced and no change in canopy structure was observed. Thus, the severe dry period was characterized by greater carbon storage (64.6 g C m(-2)), emphasizing that environmental conditions, such as during a severe drought, modify the CO2 exchange between Neotropical rainforest ecosystems and the atmosphere and potentially the resulting carbon balance.

Abstract: Experimental results are presented with single nail joints of gonfolo rose which were loaded at different grain angles and compared to results obtained by Eurocode V. A wide range of embedding strength tests was conducted. The embedding behaviour across the grain was also investigated with a specific test apparatus. The results were analysed and modelled in terms of strength. Initial loading and unloading stiffness of the timber have been taken into account. The embedment strength of the nails varied according to the angle between the direction of loading and that to the grain. This work is part of a larger research project to establish a computer program for the prediction of stiffness and limit strengths of all timber-to-timber and timber-to-steel joints.