Finite Difference Evaluation of Moisture Profile in Boxed-heart Large-cross-section Square Timber of Pinus densiflora during High Temperature Drying

Predicting the amount and distribution of moisture content within wood allows calculating the various mechanical dynamics of the wood as well as determining the drying time. For boxed-heart wood with a large cross-section, since it is difficult to measure the moisture content of the interior, it is necessary to predict the moisture content distribution. This study predicted the moisture movement in boxed-heart red pine timber, during high temperature drying, by using the three-dimensional finite difference method for the efficient drying process. During drying for 72 h, the predicted and actual moisture content of the tested wood tended to decrease at a similar rate. In contrast, the actual moisture content at 196 and 240 h was lower than predicted because surface checking of the wood occurred from 72 h and excessive water emission was unexpectedly occurred from the checked and splitted surface.