3D Wood Anatomy (VisAn3D)
Three-Dimensional Visualization of Anatomical Structures in Native Softwood and Hardwood through X-Ray Micro-Computed Tomography
The principle of preserving and expanding the CO2 reduction potential of forests and wood products is strongly dependent on forestry and social support and acceptance. For a targeted implementation, innovative and appealing information and qualification measures are required, which facilitate and improve access to and understanding of wood with regard to its complex, species-specific, and three-dimensional (3D) wood structure. However, the knowledge of the 3D wood anatomy is mainly based on two-dimensional microscopic images. By means of micro-computed tomography (µCT), structural complexity can be depicted non-destructively at the sub-micrometer range. The overall goal of this project is to create digital data of anatomically characteristic features of selected softwood and hardwood species. Thus, μCT opens up a new field of possibilities for research, application as well as teaching with many still unused potentials. The digital data can be used for wood anatomical qualification, education and information materials, such as wood anatomy textbooks, with applications in seminars, training, technical education and universities.