Multiscale Characterization and Modeling of the Thermo-Mechanical Behavior of Moso Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants and exhibits mechanical properties comparable to wood, making it a promising material for sustainable construction. Its hierarchical anatomy induces pronounced anisotropy and heterogeneity across multiple scales [1], yet comprehensive characterization and modeling of its thermo-mechanical behavior remain limited, particularly at lower scales. While previous studies have investigated the fibrous mesostructure [2] and the cellular microstructure [3] of bamboo, a deeper understanding of the macroscopic thermo-mechanical behavior is still needed.
This contribution presents a multiscale framework for modeling the thermo-mechanical behavior of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) incorporating FFT-based homogenization methods. Using X-ray microtomography data [3], the cellular microstructure of bamboo is characterized, enabling the reconstruction of representative volume elements (RVE) via advanced tessellation algorithms. The statistically inhomogeneous mesostructure of the culm wall is characterized via computational image processing of cross-sectional microscopy images. According to the measured characteristics an RVE of the mesostructure can be reconstructed for any radial position within the culm wall.
To characterize the thermo-elastic behavior of bamboo, uniaxial dilatometry and tensile tests are conducted with bamboo culm wall specimens consisting of varying fiber bundle fraction. According to the observed material behavior, material models for the local constituents are derived. By fitting the multiscale model to the experimental data, not only the local material parameters are identified but also the fully anisotropic and inhomogeneous macroscopic behavior is predicted.
The proposed approach, which integrates material and microstructure modeling, enables a precise prediction of bamboo’s thermo-mechanical response, thereby supporting the development of bamboo-based engineering solutions.

References

1. W. Liese, The Anatomy of Bamboo Culms, BRILL, 1998.
2. P. G. Dixon and L. J. Gibson, The structure and mechanics of Moso bamboo material, Journal of The Royal Society Interface, 11(99):20140321, 2014, https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2014.0321.
3. X. Chen, X. Wang, L. Shang, X. Ma, C. Fang, B. Fei, H. Liu, and S. Zhang, Three-dimensional structural characterization and mechanical properties of bamboo parenchyma tissue, Industrial Crops and Products, 208:117833, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1016/J.INDCROP.2023.117833.