Preliminary tests for the application of an optical measurement system for the development of a kiln-drying schedule

The drying defects of refractory species are known to begin occurring in the early stages of kiln drying. Therefore, monitoring the strain distribution in wood at these early stages of drying is expected to be helpful for the reduction of possible defect development. In this study, the strain distribution of red oak specimens was progressively monitored on the tangential surface of the wood using an optical measurement system based on the digital image correlation (DIC) principle. The specimens were kiln-dried with three different initial conditions. The strain distribution maps obtained at various moisture contents clearly illustrated the progress of the strain development in the wood. In addition, strain velocities and strain ratios were calculated from the data extracted from the strain distribution maps. These parameters could be used for developing or modifying a kiln-drying schedule of a refractory species.