A multiscale modelling approach aided by X-ray techniques to deepen the understanding of the effect of climate change on the hygromechanical behaviour of wood

Climate change has shown to alter the mechanical properties of wood. This suggest an alteration of the hygromechanical behaviour, behaviour that by itself is not fully elucidated yet. The deeper understanding of the hygromechanics of wood is important in the correct prediction and interpretation of drying and long-term behaviour of this material. In this light, a novel non-destructive multiscale framework is presented to obtain a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that underly the hygromechanical behaviour of wood. The framework is tested on Norway spruce that has been altered by climate change. Within this framework, an atomistic model of the cell wall (nano scale) is linked to a continuum model of the microstructure (micro scale), while the development and validation of the model is aided by X-ray scattering (nano) and full-field tomography (micro). The link between nano and micro scale through both modelling and X-ray techniques is novel. This link is now possible due to advances made in high-computational modelling in combination with the opening of the new synchrotron beamline ForMAX, and will lead to situation specific simulations resulting in a better prediction of behaviour. The project will give insight into the real mechanisms behind the hygromechanics of wood and how climate change effects the chemical structure and microstructure of Norway spruce; knowledge needed by society and industry to adequately adapt to climate change.