Prediction Distribution Model of Moisture Content in Laminated Wood Components.

Area of Science:

• Wood science and material engineering
• Heat and mass transfer phenomena
• Structural integrity of timber

Background:

• Shrinkage cracks are common defects in timber structures due to uneven moisture content and environmental changes.
• Accurate prediction of wood moisture content is essential for structural durability and performance.
• Existing models may not fully capture the dynamic temporal and spatial variations of moisture within wood components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a predictive model for wood moisture content considering both time and spatial distribution.
• To analyze moisture absorption and desorption behaviors in laminated wood under various conditions.
• To validate the proposed moisture field model using experimental data and finite element analysis.

Main Methods:

• Developed a moisture field model for laminated wood based on heat and humidity transfer analogies.
• Collected experimental data for moisture absorption and desorption under controlled conditions.
• Employed finite element analysis to model and validate moisture content predictions.

Main Results:

• The proposed wood moisture field model accurately predicts temporal and spatial moisture content distribution.
• Moisture absorption to 95% equilibrium took 2.43 to 6.32 days depending on the initial moisture range.
• Internal wood components exceeded 10 days to reach equilibrium; moisture content varies significantly with component size and position.

Conclusions:

• The established humidity field model effectively predicts wood moisture content changes over time and space.
• Recommended using 1-2 orders for characteristic equation solutions in the prediction model.
• Moisture gradient and wood size significantly influence average wood moisture content and equilibrium rates.