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Virtual characterization of MDF fiber network

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Abstract

A virtual design method for medium density fiberboards (MDF) is proposed with the aim to optimize the fiber orientation and lay-up of MDF. The new method estimates the stiffness and strength by using microstructure models of the MDF fiber network. The virtual design is used to improve the manufacturing technology of MDF plates with multilayer oriented fiber structure. Experimental investigations of the mechanical behavior of MDF microstructure for various fiber geometries, glue content and distribution are complicated, time consuming and expensive. On the other side, virtual microstructure design allows to develop a new wood fiber based material with less experimental work. Microstructure models help to better understand the non-linear damage mechanical behavior of a wood fiber network depending on fiber geometrical parameters. Such parameters as crack distribution and fiber deformation on micro-scale level are complicated to experimentally measure, but possible to model using computer simulations. The virtual design tool requires less empirical data. The model takes into account information on average wood fiber orientation, fiber diameter, fiber length and mechanical properties of wood fiber cell wall and glue. The numerical method for strength and stiffness analysis of MDF microstructure was calibrated using standard MDF with non-oriented fibers. It turned out that this method gives precise results for MDF with oriented fibers and even with multilayer structure. The proposed virtual microstructure design tool can significantly improve and speed-up the optimization manufacturing technology of MDF and other wood fiber based composites.

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Acknowledgments

The project IGF 17644N “Simulation-supported development of medium density fiberboards for lightweight constructions” of the International Association for Technical Issues (iVTH) was funded through the German Federation of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) in the program for promoting the Industrial Collective Research (IGF) of the Federal ministry for economic Afairs and Energy (BMWi) on the basis of a decision of the German Bundestag. The research leading to these results has received the funding from Latvia state research programme under grant agreement’’INNOVATIVE MATERIALS AND SMART TECHNOLOGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY, IMATEH’’. The research leading to these results has received the funding from Riga Technical University, Faculty of Building and Civil Engineering Grant “DOK.BIF”. Thanks to GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbH for µCT-images.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Riga Technical University (RTU), Riga, Latvia

    Janis Sliseris

  2. Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (ITWM), Kaiserslautern, Germany

    Heiko Andrä & Matthias Kabel

  3. Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research (WKI), Brunswick, Germany

    Brigitte Dix & Burkhard Plinke

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  1. Janis Sliseris
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  2. Heiko Andrä
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  3. Matthias Kabel
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  4. Brigitte Dix
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  5. Burkhard Plinke
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Correspondence to Janis Sliseris.

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Sliseris, J., Andrä, H., Kabel, M. et al. Virtual characterization of MDF fiber network. Eur. J. Wood Prod. 75, 397–407 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-016-1075-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-016-1075-5

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