Abstract

Using nanoindentations and ultrastructure analysis, we developed a methodology to explore factors that may contribute to failures in Eucalyptus nitens (Deane et Maiden) due to growth stresses. Two types of wood were analyzed; normal wood and wood with meso-cracks. Factors contributing to cracking included the vessel frequency and mechanical properties of the S2 layer measured with nanoindentations. Micro and mesocracks propagated throughout the middle lamella and Sl layer due to an increased stress concentration that was mainly caused by vessels and the characteristic strain energy density of the cell wall.