journal article·2025-11-19Open access

Micro-damage mechanisms in archaeological wood under axial stress at the cell wall layer scale

Rongyu Ma, Jing Du, Lihua Fei, Jian Zhao, Jiahui Liu, Dong Zhao, Naisheng Li

npj Heritage Science· Volume 13· Issue 1

Abstract

The micro-damage of archaeological wood begins with lower axial stress compared to modern wood, but the mechanisms of micro-damage to its cell wall layer still needs to be discussed. This study investigates the micro-damage mechanisms of archaeological wood under axial stress, using a multilayered finite element model to predict damage initiation sites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) validated these predictions, revealing damage initiation and evolution. The results showed that both archaeological and modern wood (fir, pine, and camphorwood) exhibited equivalent stress concentrations at the S1-2 transition under axial compression. Micro-damage primarily initiated in the fillet regions of the S1-2 transition, marked by interfacial debonding and microfibril-bundle bridging during crack propagation. This research offers valuable micromechanical insights into the micro-damage mechanisms of archaeological wood, providing a scientific foundation for the conservation and restoration of wooden cultural relics and structural health monitoring of in-service wood.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Wood Treatment and Properties · Building materials and conservation · Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

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