UNIT 3 TIMBER TESTING

Question 1

What are the key objectives of timber workshop tests?

Answer 1

1. Identify different workshop tests carried out on woods.
2. Describe how tests are set up, what is tested, measured and compared.
3. Conduct a consistent and fair hardness test on different timbers.

Question 2

What keywords are important in timber testing?

Answer 2

Tensile strength
Hardness
Toughness
Standardize
Fair
Record
Hardwoods
Softwoods
Manufactured boards

Question 3

Why might we need to conduct tests on materials?

Answer 3

To ensure the material’s suitability for its intended use, evaluate its strength, resistance to damage and longevity, and select the best materials for specific applications.

Question 4

What type of tests are conducted on timbers?

Answer 4

Visual tests
Corrosion tests
Flammability tests
Hardness tests
Tensile tests
Toughness tests

Question 5

Define tensile strength, hardness and toughness in timber testing:

Answer 5

Tensile strength: The stress a material can withstand without being stretched or pulled
Hardness: The ability to resist scratches and dents
Toughness: The ability to absorb force with splitting

Question 6

When in a product’s lifecycle would you expect material tests to be conducted?

Answer 6

During the design, development, and manufacturing phases to ensure quality and performance

Question 7

How do workshop tests differ from industry tests?

Answer 7

Workshop tests are simpler and may have variable results due to limited equipment, while industry tests are highly controlled and use advanced machinery for more accurate, standardized outcomes.

Question 8

What factors should remain constant when conducting tensile strength tests on timbers?

Answer 8

The size and shape of the timber samples, the load application methods and environmental conditions.

Question 9

How can you ensure the same force is used for each piece in a toughness test?

Answer 9

Use a controlled, consistent and impact method, such as a pedulum or weight drop from a fixed height.

Question 10

What would a suitable corrosion test for timber involve?

Answer 10

Exposing samples to moisturem insect attack, or fungal growth over time to observe deterioration.

Question 11

How can a hardness test be conducted in a workshop?

Answer 11

Hammer the end of a center punch onto various timbers and measure the width and depth of the indentation.

Question 12

Which timber household products require high hardness?

Answer 12

Flooring, worktops, and furniture

Question 13

What is the Janka hardness test?

Answer 13

Tests that measure the force required to embed a 0.44-inch (11.28mm) steel ball halfway into a piece of wood, useful for evaluating materials for flooring.

Question 14

Describe the tensile strength test using a tensometer?

Answer 14

A test piece is clamped and placed under tension while measuring the load and distance travelled. Key points such as the elastic limit, yield point and breaking point are recorded

Question 15

What are the differences between Charpy and Izod toughness tests?

Answer 15

In the Charpy test, the specimen is placed horizontally, with the notch facing away from the hammer. In the Izod test, the specimen is clamped vertically with the notch facing the hammer.

Question 16

What is non-destructive testing (NDT) and why is it used?

Answer 16

NDT detects internal defects or imperfections without damaging the material, it is used when preserving the sample’s integrity is important

Question 17

How does ultrasonic testing work in timber?

Answer 17

Waves are pulsed into the material to detect cracks or defects. It is portable and suitable for various materials including wood.

Question 18

What is X-ray testing used for in timber evaluation?

Answer 18

To observe tiny details, measure density, detect internal splits and understand how environmental factors have affected the wood

Question 19

How is thermal conductivity tested in wood?

Answer 19

A guarded hotplate method sandwiches the material between two temperature-controlled plates to measure the time taken to reach a constant temperature.

Question 20

What safety measures should be considered during timber testing?

Answer 20

Wear protective gear, use equipment correctly, secure test pieces properly and follow proper handling procedures

Question 21

How do you ensure accuracy and fairness in workshop timber experiments?

Answer 21

Standardise test conditions, maintain consistent equipment use, carefully measure results and repeat tests for verification

Question 22

What are the disadvantages of workshop testing compared to industrial testing?

Answer 22

Workshop testing may lack precision, have limited equipment and may not produce results as consistent or reliable as industry tests.