Modeling of WPCs and the Real World

Mathematical modeling for this section was done by Professor Alexander Chemenda and his team (University of Nice, France), whom I am greatly indebted. 

In order to minimize the cross-sectional area of the above board, and, hence, the board weight, while preserving (or improving) mechanical properties of the board, an extra rib was introduced and the channels were changed into and arch-like shape (Fig. 7.17, the lower profile). 

The modified board had 11% lower mass (calculated). Mathematical modeling (see Fig. 7.18) showed that the modified board had about the same flexural strength and 9% higher flexural modulus compared to the conventional board (the upper profile in Fig. 7.17). 

Ib/width of the board (width is equal to 5.5 in.). The calculations are done for flexural strength 

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