Abstract
Young's modulus E and internal friction Q-1 in longitudinal (L) direction and specific gravity γ were measured for numerous specimens of 25 softwood species. There was a high correlation between Q-1/(E/γ) and E/γ, and the suitability of wood for musical instruments can be evaluated by using the value of E/γ. Furthermore, effects of grain angle in the longitudinal-radial plane on Young's modulus and internal friction of wood were investigated. From these results, it is concluded that the value of internal friction as well as Young's modulus of wood is determined in large part by microfibril angle in the S2 layer of tracheid against the L direction.