Dynamic determination of modulus of elasticity of full-size wood composite panels using a vibration method

• A dynamic testing method based on free vibration theory in a “free–free” support condition.
• Dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOE).
• Medium density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard (PB) and plywood (PW).
• A strong linear relationship was found between Ed and Eb for three types of full-size wood composite panels (MDF, PB and PW) tested.

A vibration testing method based on free vibration theory in a “free–free” support condition was investigated for evaluating the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of full-size wood composite panels (WCPs). Vibration experiments were conducted on three types of WCPs (medium density fibreboard, particleboard, and plywood) to determine the dynamic MOE of the panels. Static bending test was performed on small specimens cut from the panels to determine the static MOE. A strong linear relationship was found between dynamic MOE of full size panels and static MOE of small specimens. Dynamic MOE of full-size WCPs was found 6.2% higher than the corresponding static MOE. This study demonstrated that free vibration method has a good potential to be used in WCP manufacturing facilities as a quality control procedure.