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Influence of density distribution on the mechanical efficiency of coconut stem green tissues

Abstract:

The research that constitutes this paper is part of a series of publications that aim at understanding, from an engineering perspective, the form-structure-function relationship of senile coconut palm stems (Cocos Nucifera L.) as foundation for biomimetic applications. This study particularly aims at determining, evaluating and analysing the influence of the characteristic basic density distribution on the mechanical efficiency and properties of senile coconut stem green tissues (referred to here as cocowood) in terms of the palm stem mechanical performance per unit mass. To achieve these objectives, the cocowood mechanical efficiency is determined from the material performance indices, which in turn are calculated from the typical relationships of basic density-stiffness and basic density-compressive strength. The distinctive mechanical efficiency is modelled herein for the entire coconut stem-tissue structure. The research outcomes showed that the variation of basic density and its relationships with the material stiffness and strength give rise to a high mechanical efficiency, which was comparable to some advanced engineering materials. The knowledge advanced from this study has a significant future potential as it can be applied into the development of new superior material/structure concepts.