Temperature dependence of sound wave propagation in as a diagnostic tools for healthy and rotten black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn.) tree trunks

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine how thermal conditions affect the speed of sound wave propagation, in trunks of living alder Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. trees. This method in practiced when diagnosing the presence of internal decay in standing trees. Field work was carried out four times at different temperatures (+13°C, +3°C, -7°C and -16°C) using an impulse hammer. There was a significant correlation between the thermal conditions and the speed of sound wave propagation. Therefore, temperature must be taken into account to correctly diagnose tree health and timber quality.