In this experiment, the mechanical strength of Pteridium stems was tested in two differing conditions: hydrated and dehydrated. It was hypothesized that there would be an increased performance of hydrated stems in the presence of mechanical stress. In order to test this hypothesis, twelve 20 cm pieces of stems were cut in alternation, separating those that would be dehydrated (6) with those that were hydrated (6). The dehydrated specimens were left to dry over a period of 24 hours. The diameters of each individual stem were measured to account for variation in size and remove excess variables. All twelve stems were placed into the Instron individually and their MOE and MOR were measured. Based on the raw data that was obtained from these tests and analysis of the data performed in the form of a paired t-test, it was concluded that there is not a significant difference between the two. Both the MOE’s and MOR’s of the hydrated and dehydrated stems resulted in p values that were more than the significant 0.05 level. Although the data was found not significantly different, it is an important discovery in the scientific community.
Kang, Michelle I.; Ko, Kevin M.; Noh, John H.; and Vega, Veronica R., "Mechanical Strength Comparison of Hydrated and Dehydrated Pteridium Stems" (2013). Pepperdine University, All Undergraduate Student Research. Paper 69.