Turbulence in the wood system with small and short stresses

Small compressive stresses (500 N, 1000 N, 2000 N) of small duration were exerted on 2 × 2 × 2 cm³ wood specimen of Eucalyptus hybrid. Two relative humidity levels of 93% RH and 27% RH were maintained in dessicators. The per‐cent change in Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC) was measured. It was found that the initial percent change of EMC was 2.62 times higher in low moisture content specimens when compared to the higher moisture content specimens. The EMC was found to decrease on applying compressive stress irrespective of the stress level. An explanation for this effect in terms of re-alignment of hydrogen bonds is presented in this paper. Received 8 December 1997