REACTION-RATE MODEL FOR THE FATIGUE-STRENGTH OF WOOD

In this paper, we consider the fatigue strength of wood structural mem bers. That is, we develop a mathematical model for time-dependent stre ngth under sinusoidal load. This work extends the model for time-depen dent strength under constant load and ramp load derived previously by two of the authors. It is based on the statistical theory of the absol ute reaction rate in a version favorably reviewed in the literature. U nder the isothermal condition, the model predicts that the time at fra cture is independent of stress frequency. The need to evaluate experim entally some of the model parameters that may depend on stress frequen cy indirectly through temperature changes is discussed.