Acoustically quality evaluation of date palm samples from the pith to the bark

Abstract

This paper investigated the radial variations of acoustical and mechanical properties of date palm from the pith to the bark. Cubic samples with dimensions of 2×2×35 cm3 (Radial× tangential ×longitudinal)) were taken in distance of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 cm toward the bark. To evaluate dynamical properties of date palm, flexural vibration method was applied on cubic experimental samples. Further the specimen then were utilized for measuring MOE and MOR in static bending test. More details were also attained by anatomical analyzes. The results showed that the acoustical parameters of the propagated wave (the internal friction, the acoustic conversion efficiency as well as the acoustical impedance) were constant while increasing the distance between pith and bark. The highest values of acoustic coefficients found for samples near the pith and partially increased while moving to the bark. The density variations were less important in radial direction of date palm disk. The MOE and MOR values significantly radially varied and were maximum for samples in distance 3 cm. As they reached to the distance of 15 cm from the center, the given parameters dramatically decreased. Finally it can be conclude that the quality assessment of date palm based on the acoustical parameters is not reliable. It is suggested to provide samples from the outer parts of date palm disk when construction materials need more strength.

Keywords

• quality evaluation
• date palm
• pith
• bark