Acoustic properties of four central boreal tree species for potential use in instruments

Abstract

In resonance wood, acoustic velocity, density profiles, and ring characteristics play an important role. Multiple factors cause variation of these properties, like the difference between juvenile wood and mature wood, reaction wood, and disease. In this study, the acoustic velocity, density profile, and ring characteristics of four boreal species (black spruce, balsam fir, white birch, and trembling aspen) were tested and compared to the published values for resonance wood. There were significant differences (α < 0.01) of acoustic velocity and density between species, and radial positions. Black spruce had the highest acoustic velocity at 6275 m/s and white birch had the highest density at 632 kg/m3. When compared to the literature, the softwood species were within the range of values used in resonance wood, while the hardwood species were not. In conclusion, it is possible to use acoustic velocity, density profiles and ring characteristics to identify species to be used as resonance wood.