A global rheological model of wood cantilever as applied to wood drying

In the process of wood drying inevitable stresses are induced. This often leads to checking and undesired deformations that may greatly affect the quality of the dried product. The purpose of this study was to propose a new rheological model representation capable to predict the evolution of stresses and deformations in wood cantilever as applied to wood drying. The rheological model considers wood shrinkage, instantaneous stress–strain relationships, time induced creep, and mechano-sorptive creep. The constitutive law is based on an elasto–viscoplastic model that takes into account the moisture content gradient in wood, the effect of external load, and a threshold viscoplastic (permanent) strain which is dependent on stress level and time. The model was implemented into a numerical program that computes stresses and strains of wood cantilever under constant load for various moisture content conditions. The results indicate that linear and nonlinear creep behavior of wood cantilever under various load levels can be simulated using only one Kelvin element model in combination with a threshold-type viscoplastic element. The proposed rheological model was first developed for the identification of model parameters from cantilever creep tests, but it can be easily used to simulate drying stresses of a piece of wood subjected to no external load. It can therefore predict the stress reversal phenomenon, residual stresses and maximum stress through thickness during a typical drying process.     

Analysis of moisture diffusivity of larch timber during convective drying condition by using Crank＇s method and Dincer＇s method

Two analytical procedures （Crank＇s method and Dincer＇s method） for porous solid materials were reevaluated and used to determine moisture diffusion coefficients and moisture transfer coefficients for larch lumber subjected to drying. A diffusion-like equation was used to describe drying process data. The lumber was idealized in the modeling as infinite plates. The moisture transport process inside the board was assumed to be one-dimensional. The macroscopic drying kinetics curves of larch timber at particular conditions were determined experimentally. Based on these data, calculation for both the moisture diffusion coefficients and moisture transfer coefficients by the Dincer＇s analytical procedure were made. The dynamic moisture diffusion coefficients by the traditional Crank＇s method were calculated. In general, diffusion coefficients calculated by the Dincer＇s method were all higher than those by Crank＇s method. These results could be due to the differences between two analytical methods and also different characteristics between solid moisture diffusion process and heat transfer process. Therefore the analysis and solution procedures of moisture diffusion differential equations need to be adapted in the future. With drying temperature＇s increasing moisture diffusion coefficient （D） and moisture transfer coefficient （k） increases accordingly. Also the relationships between diffusion coefficients and temperature as well as material moisture contents were analyzed by using Arrhenius equation and bound water transport theory.     

Nondestructive evaluation of drying stress level on wood surface using near-infrared spectroscopy

A nondestructive technique for swiftly measuring the stress level of the surface of wood is proposed, which is important for process control in timber drying. Partial least squares (PLS) regression models for predicting surface-released strain (ε) were developed using NIR spectra obtained from Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) samples during drying. The predictive ability of the models was evaluated by PLS analysis and by comparing NIR-predicted ε with laboratory-measured values. The PLS regression model using the NIR spectra pre-processed by MSC and second derivatives with a wavelength range of 2,000–2,220 nm showed good agreement with the measurement (R ² = 0.72). PLS analysis identified the wavelengths around 2,035 nm as making significant contributions to the prediction of ε. Orthogonal signal correction (OSC) was an effective pre-processing technique to reduce the number of factors required for the model using the wavelength range 1,300–2,500 nm. However, the predictive ability of the OSC-corrected model was not improved. Elapsed times to reach the maximum tensile stress (T _max) and the stress reversal point (T _rev) at the wood surface during drying were detected correctly for 75 % of the samples. The results show that NIR spectroscopy has potential to predict the drying stress level of the timber surface and to detect critical periods in drying, such as T _max and T _rev.     

基于时延神经网络的木材干燥温湿度建模研究

利用神经网络建立了木材干燥的温湿度模型,给出了其时延神经网络辨识结构。分别提出温、湿度控制模型(控制信号与温、湿度之间的关系模型)和木材干燥基准模型(温、湿度与木材含水率之间的关系模型),并利用实验干燥窑得到的实际数据进行了仿真研究。仿真结果表明,利用此方法建模是可行的,所建模型是有效的。图10参16。     

Modelling and simulation of deformation behaviour during drying using a concept of linear difference method

This study deals with the development of a two-dimensional model to simulate the deformations in wood samples during the wood drying process for the evaluation of the drying quality. The samples cut from sapwood of beech were used to analyse the moisture content distribution of the samples at two different drying conditions. A new concept based on a linear difference method was developed to use the moisture content distribution of the samples for the simulation process to predict deformation due to casehardening. The real deformations of the prongs were compared with the simulated ones for further improvements. The results show that the model can be used to simulate the deformations independently from different drying times and drying conditions. A good comparison between real and simulated changes in deformation was found for the drying process at constant climate conditions. The results provide a useful basis for further investigations on the modelling and simulation of the deformation of the samples due to different drying processes.     

Modelling of the behaviour of free water in sapwood during drying

A stochastic three-dimensional model for the behaviour of free water in wood, which was described in Part I, is used for the simulation and analysis of some further features of wood drying. The kiln brown stain mechanism is studied and the connection to the condition of the wood surface is pointed out. Several drying rate questions and related aspects are analysed and compared with experimental results. Finally the risk of surface checking in an early stage of sapwood drying is shown theoretically.     

Modelling of the behaviour of free water in sapwood during drying

Abstract

A stochastic three-dimensional model for the behaviour of free water in wood, which was described in Part I, is used for the simulation and analysis of some further features of wood drying. The kiln brown stain mechanism is studied and the connection to the condition of the wood surface is pointed out. Several drying rate questions and related aspects are analysed and compared with experimental results. Finally the risk of surface checking in an early stage of sapwood drying is shown theoretically.     

木材干燥过程含水率和温度变化的数学模型研究

木材干燥过程存在着热质互换和能量的转移,这为从热力学的角度研究木材干燥过程提供了前提条件,因此提出利用热力学原理分析木材干燥过程含水率和温度变化规律的数学模型.首先建立描述含水率和温度变化的高阶非线性偏微分方程组,然后采用有限元分析原理将方程组离散化,再经过一系列数学运算得到方程的收敛解,具体方法为牛顿迭代法,最后通过对木材含水率和温度变化情况仿真结果的分析,验证该方法的可行性及数学模型的准确性.     

The identification of fracture in dried wood based on theoretical modelling and acoustic emission

Physical interpretation of the three characteristic groups of acoustic signals emitted during convective drying of wood is the main subject of this paper. The acoustic emission (AE) was to evidence the fracture intensity during drying of a birch wood sample of cylindrical shape. To explain the three characteristic groups of acoustic signals, and particularly the last one, a mechanistic model of drying was applied to analyse the drying induced stresses in the tested sample. One can conclude from this analysis that the third group of acoustic signals arises when the surface stop to shrink and the wet core (initially in compression) begins to dry. The shrinkage of the core causes compression of the boundary layer and tension of the core. Thus, the reverse of the stress signs in the cylinder cross-section takes place and this possibly involves the destruction of wood structure in the tensed core.     

Numerical and experimental analysis of a wood drying process

 Experimental investigation and computational analysis were performed to evaluate the influence of the ambient air parameters during the drying process on the temperature, moisture and resulting deformations and stresses in wood samples. The numerical procedure uses the Finite Volume Method to discretise the equations governing heat, mass and momentum balance and takes into account the anisotropic nature of wood. The comparison of the numerical and experimental results shows very good agreements, implying that the proposed numerical algorithm can be used as a useful tool in designing wood drying schedules. Received 31 March 1999     

Induced discoloration of buerger maple during drying process

Buerger maple (Liquidambarformosana Hance) is a kind of wood that is easily discolored. This paper tries to obtain satisfactory color and a broad prospect in the utilization of buerger maple by induced discoloration. The authors analyze the mechanism of induced discoloration of buerger maple based on the analysis of visual physical parameter, the infrared spectrum (IRS) and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) under different drying conditions. The result shows that it is feasible to induce discoloration during the drying process. The wood color tends to be red and fuscous during inducing discoloration of buerger maple.The induced discoloration mechanism is: 1) the high temperature and humidity accelerates the oxidation reaction of polyphenol,leuco-fancy pigment and tannin, which changes the wood color to red; 2) the hydroxy (-OH) is oxidized and the carbonyl (-C=0),carboxyl (-COOH), ester and ketone groups form during the high temperature steaming, which results in wood piece discoloration.     

The temperature and moisture content in lumber during preheating and drying

Summary The time required to thoroughly preheat/presteam green 8/4 (51 mm) thick red pine and white birch lumber was determined. Thermocouples imbedded in the centre of samples were used to determine presteaming/preheating times for experimental material. These data were then compared to time determined by analytical methods (using formulae developed by Kollmann). No significant differences were found.During the subsequent drying period data were collected on interior wood temperature, mousture content and gradient. Results of the drying tests indicated: i) interior temperature increases in direct relation to elapsed time, ii) moisture content drops exponentially with elapsed time, and iii) an exponential relationship exists between average moisture content and the core temperature of the lumber.Results indicate that monitoring of the lumber drying process through measurements of interior wood temperature may be feasible.The first author was visiting Canada under the Chinese Scholar Program established by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada. His research work was carried out at Forintek Canada Corp., Eastern Laboratory, OttawaThe authors would like to acknowledge the assistance and support of the following: Dr. M. Y. Cech, Manager, Lumber Manufacturing Technology, Forintek Canada Corp., Eastern Forest Products Laboratory-Senior Project Supervisor, and Mr. F. Pfaff, Research Scientist, Forintek Canada Corp     

Simple analytical methods to predict one- and two-dimensional drying stresses and deformations in lumber

This study was conducted to develop analytical models for the prediction of drying stresses and defomations in lumber. Both one- and two-dimensional analytical models were developed with two assumptions: the visco-elastic creep could be neglected, and the diffusion coefficient is constant with moisture changes. The method developed in this study showed that the drying stress of lumber with symmetric moisture profile could be approximately predicted using one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) models. In the case of the 1D model, drying deformations could be determined rather easy and the drying stress can even be predicted by hand calculation. The results of this study might be used for lumber with an asymmetric moisture profile. In order to predict more accurately drying stress and deformation across overall moisture changes, however, this procedure should be incorporated with the other moisture transport models and might be extended to a 3D model.     

Cooling and steam conditioning after high-temperature drying of Pinus radiata board: experimental investigation and mathematical modelling

 Steam conditioning of softwood boards after kiln drying is of critical importance for relief of residual drying stresses and to improve distribution of final moisture content. The conditioning practice in New Zealand includes two steps: immediately after high temperature (HT) drying the load is cooled until the core wood temperature is 75 to 90°C, and then the stack is steam conditioned for a period of 1 to 4 hours depending on the lumber thickness and moisture content after drying. In this work, experimental and theoretical studies were performed to better understand the conditioning process and to investigate factors which influence its effectiveness. In the experiment, 50 mm thick Pinus radiata sapwood boards were first dried at 120/70°C for 11, 12, 13, 16 and 18 hours, respectively, to varying moisture contents, and then cooled and steam conditioned for 1 hour. To assess the effectiveness of conditioning, moisture pick-up, moisture gradient, and transverse residual drying stress (indicated by cup and strain) were measured. It was found that drying wood to a low moisture content (below 6%) increased the conditioning effectiveness. A separate matched stack was conditioned for 4 hours after 13 hours drying which showed better results than 1 hour conditioning. A mathematical model for wood drying was extended to include both the cooling and conditioning phases. The model was numerically solved to examine the wood temperature and moisture content changes during the whole process of drying, cooling and final steam conditioning. Increase in wood temperature, moisture pickup and moisture gradient during steam conditioning were predicted and validated by the experimental data. This information is currently being used at the New Zealand Forest Research Institute in simulation of stress development and relief for drying of Pinus radiata lumber. Received 6 July 1998     

A model of anisotropic swelling and shrinking process of wood

To elucidate the origin of the shrinking anisotropy of wood during the drying process, as well as to begin to gain an understanding of the interaction between the moisture and the cell wall components, the shrinking process of a single wood fiber regarding water desorption was simulated by using an analytical model which was developed in the previous report (Part 1). Resulting data were compared with the experimental ones in this paper. The following conclusions were obtained: (1) The matrix substance, as a skeleton in the secondary wall, tends to shrink isotropically. However, the cellulose microfibrils, as a rigid framework of the cell wall, almost did not shrink at all due to the water desorption. As result, wood shrinks anisotropically during a drying process. The microfibril angle in the S2 layer is one of the most important factors related to the degree of shrinking anisotropy of the wood while drying. (2) According to the simulation, the expansive strain caused in the matrix skeleton by the water sorption increases by 15% (= 150,000 micro-strains) from the oven-dried condition to the green condition. Based on this value, the moisture content at the fiber saturation point is calculated to be about 35%, which is close to the experimentally obtained one. These results give quantitative evidences that the hygroexpansion of the wood cell wall is controlled by the mechanism of the reinforced matrix hypothesis. Received: 28 July 1998     

Introducing an overall mass-transfer coefficient for prediction of drying curves at low-temperature drying rates

The aim of this study is to justify that the drying rate of wood can be represented by a phenomenological model defining a driving force expressed as the difference between the average wood moisture content and the equilibrium wood moisture content. The results show that the mathematical relation proposed is valid when introducing an overall mass transfer coefficient, K, at low temperature wood-drying rates.     

A microwave applicator for on line wood drying: Temperature and moisture distribution in wood

Summary An especially designed open microwave applicator was analysed using wood as the material to be heated and dried. The idea was to develop an on line microwave construction consisting of several small open applicators, each fed by a small standard magnetron (for example 1.4 kW main power). The process was analysed by measuring the wood temperature during heating using an IR-camera and detecting the moisture distribution during drying by CT-scanning. Pine and birch wood samples were used in the experiments, mainly 40 mm in thickness. The experiments show that the power distribution differs between dry wood and moist wood. The analysis of the temperature fields captured by the IR-camera during the first minutes allows a rather accurate determination of the MW power. Consequently, the drying proceeds unevenly in the wood specimens, especially in the longitudinal direction. The dimensions of the applicator and its relation to the wood dimension are very important. However, the wood was not destroyed, the temperature and moisture gradients did not affect the wood in terms of checks or deformations. The drying rate in different positions of the specimen varied between 0.30 and 0.80 percentage moisture content/min. The uneven energy, meaning temperature and field distribution, is to be compensated in the future by a moving wood load and by alternating the position of each applicator in a larger scale microwave pilot plant. Received 25 February 1997     

Lateral deflections of timber beam-columns during drying

Summary A first approximation model for the mechano-sorptive deformation of wood is used to predict the deformation behaviour of beam-columns. An experimental check showed that the theory provides a good estimate of the lateral deflections that occur during the first drying cycle of initially green beam-columns.