What species of wood is used as a standard for strength properties of other species of wood in aircraft structures?

Spruce is the species of wood commonly used as a standard for strength properties in aircraft structures. It is preferred due to its favorable strength-to-weight ratio, making it particularly suitable for use in aviation. Spruce has excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength, compressive strength, and resistance to bending, which makes it a reliable benchmark for assessing and comparing other wood species.

Aircraft structures, especially in older designs, often utilize wood in components such as wings and frames. Spruce's consistent properties across different samples make it an ideal reference material, allowing engineers and designers to evaluate the structural integrity and performance of alternative wood species. This standardization helps in ensuring safety, performance, and reliability in aircraft structures.