Characterization of Maple and Ash Material Properties as a Function of Wood Density for Bat/Ball Impact Modeling in LS-DYNA

Finite element models of wood baseball bats are a valuable tool to explore the relationship between bat profile and bat durability. However, for such finite element models to be credible, the material models must capture the mechanical response of the wood under consideration. In the current research, a comprehensive experimental program was conducted to characterize the mechanical behavior of maple and ash woods for the range of densities used to make major-league quality baseball bats. The test program included (1) four-point bend testing to determine elastic moduli and strength and (2) Charpy testing to determine strain to failure as a function of strain rate and wood density. The material parameters were subsequently calibrated by completing finite element simulations of the Charpy tests in LS-DYNA using the MAT_WOOD material model. This paper describes the experimental characterization program used to determine material parameters of maple and ash wood species for use in finite element simulations of wood baseball bats.