Which wood type is unsuitable for high-stress areas in aircraft design?

Softwood is generally unsuitable for high-stress areas in aircraft design due to its structural properties. Softwoods often have a lower density and strength compared to hardwoods, making them less capable of withstanding the loads and stresses encountered in critical components of an aircraft. High-stress areas demand materials that can endure significant forces while maintaining integrity and stability.

While hardwoods possess greater strength and durability, making them more appropriate for these applications, other materials such as bamboo or composite wood can also be engineered to provide the necessary strength, depending on the design requirements. Bamboo, although strong in certain applications, may not meet the specific regulatory standards or stress tolerances required for aircraft design as effectively as engineered solutions. Composites are often tailored for high-performance applications, engineered specifically to address the unique stresses and conditions faced in aviation.