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CT-scanning and modelling of the capillary water uptake in aspen, oak and pine

CT-Messung und Modellierung der kapillaren Wasseraufnahme in Espen-, Eichen- und Kiefernholz

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Abstract

This study utilises Computer Tomography (CT-scanning) to characterize the capillary water uptake in wood specimens. CT-scanning makes it possible to study the capillary rise of water as a function of height in wood specimens after a specific exposure time. The study has also included the development of a theoretical model, which determines the capillary characteristics of wood in relation to its structure. The model developed was tested using experimental results, considering the capillary suction height and the water content change after a specific time as boundary values.

A comparison between the theoretical model and the experimental results shows that not all the cells in the wood samples take part in the capillary water transport. It also appears that there is a structural resistance to capillary flow.

Zusammenfassung

In dieser Studie wird mittels Computertomografie (CT-Messung) die kapillare Wasseraufnahme in Holzproben beschrieben. Dieses Verfahren ermöglicht es, die Höhe des kapillaren Wasseranstiegs in den Holzproben nach einer vorgegebenen Eintauchdauer zu untersuchen. Darüber hinaus wurde ein theoretisches Modell zur Bestimmung der kapillaren Eigenschaften von Holz in Abhängigkeit seiner Struktur entwickelt. Dieses Modell wurde anhand von Versuchsergebnissen geprüft, wobei die kapillare Saughöhe und die Änderung des Wassergehalts nach einer vorgegebenen Zeit als Zielwerte berücksichtigt wurden.

Ein Vergleich des theoretischen Modells mit den Versuchsergebnissen ergab, dass nicht alle Zellen in den Holzproben am kapillaren Wassertransport teilnehmen. Es hat sich auch gezeigt, dass es einen strukturbedingten Widerstand gegen die Kapillarströmung gibt.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Technology and Design, Växjö University, Lückligs plats 1, 351 95, Växjö, Sweden

    Jimmy Johansson & Girma Kifetew

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  1. Jimmy Johansson
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  2. Girma Kifetew
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Correspondence to Jimmy Johansson.

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Johansson, J., Kifetew, G. CT-scanning and modelling of the capillary water uptake in aspen, oak and pine . Eur. J. Wood Prod. 68, 77–85 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-009-0359-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-009-0359-4

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