Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features
This study analyzed the mechanical and physiological strategies associated with four features in the branch–stem junction of a tree, namely the U-shaped branch attachment, the branch collar, the branch bark ridge, and the roughened lower stem. Models were established for each stage of tree growth by...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2023-12-01
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| Series: | Plants |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/23/4060 |
| _version_ | 1797399692275875840 |
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| author | Tung-Chi Liu Yi-Sen Peng Bai-You Cheng |
| author_facet | Tung-Chi Liu Yi-Sen Peng Bai-You Cheng |
| author_sort | Tung-Chi Liu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study analyzed the mechanical and physiological strategies associated with four features in the branch–stem junction of a tree, namely the U-shaped branch attachment, the branch collar, the branch bark ridge, and the roughened lower stem. Models were established for each stage of tree growth by adding these four features sequentially to a base model, and the finite element method (FEM) was employed to create three-dimensional models of an Acer tree’s branch–stem structure for static force analysis. According to the results, the development of the branch collar shifted the point of breakage to the outer part of the collar and, thus, constituted a physiological strategy that prevented decay in the stem. Additionally, the concentration of stress in the branch bark ridge limited the area of tear in the bark following breakage. Finally, the U-shaped branch attachment reduced stress and shifted the point of peak stress toward the branch, while the thickening of the lower stem reduced the overall stress. The development of these features, including the spatial positioning of the branch bark ridge and branch collar, resulted in two breakage points constituting a physical and a physiological strategy that limited damage to the tree and protected the xylem structure. This is the part that has been challenging to decipher in previous discussions of tree-related self-protection mechanisms. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T01:43:49Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-3a3a9bc669b74df287d2619d0944b1c0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2223-7747 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T01:43:49Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Plants |
| spelling | doaj.art-3a3a9bc669b74df287d2619d0944b1c02023-12-08T15:24:04ZengMDPI AGPlants2223-77472023-12-011223406010.3390/plants12234060Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem FeaturesTung-Chi Liu0Yi-Sen Peng1Bai-You Cheng2Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, TaiwanDepartment of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 40227, TaiwanGraduate Institute of Environmental Resources Management, TransWorld University, Douliu City 64063, TaiwanThis study analyzed the mechanical and physiological strategies associated with four features in the branch–stem junction of a tree, namely the U-shaped branch attachment, the branch collar, the branch bark ridge, and the roughened lower stem. Models were established for each stage of tree growth by adding these four features sequentially to a base model, and the finite element method (FEM) was employed to create three-dimensional models of an Acer tree’s branch–stem structure for static force analysis. According to the results, the development of the branch collar shifted the point of breakage to the outer part of the collar and, thus, constituted a physiological strategy that prevented decay in the stem. Additionally, the concentration of stress in the branch bark ridge limited the area of tear in the bark following breakage. Finally, the U-shaped branch attachment reduced stress and shifted the point of peak stress toward the branch, while the thickening of the lower stem reduced the overall stress. The development of these features, including the spatial positioning of the branch bark ridge and branch collar, resulted in two breakage points constituting a physical and a physiological strategy that limited damage to the tree and protected the xylem structure. This is the part that has been challenging to decipher in previous discussions of tree-related self-protection mechanisms.https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/23/4060branch–stem structurebranch collarbranch bark ridgefinite element methodmechanical functionthickening of the lower stem |
| spellingShingle | Tung-Chi Liu Yi-Sen Peng Bai-You Cheng Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features Plants branch–stem structure branch collar branch bark ridge finite element method mechanical function thickening of the lower stem |
| title | Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features |
| title_full | Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features |
| title_fullStr | Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features |
| title_full_unstemmed | Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features |
| title_short | Physiological and Physical Strategies to Minimize Damage at the Branch–Stem Junction of Trees: Using the Finite Element Method to Analyze Stress in Four Branch–Stem Features |
| title_sort | physiological and physical strategies to minimize damage at the branch stem junction of trees using the finite element method to analyze stress in four branch stem features |
| topic | branch–stem structure branch collar branch bark ridge finite element method mechanical function thickening of the lower stem |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/23/4060 |
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