Prediction of Linear Dimensional Change of Unrestricted

Prediction of linear dimensional change of unrestricted wood at different levels of

Equilibrium Moisture Content

Michael, Formosa1, 2 and Martin, Musumeci2

1 Conservation Division, Heritage Malta, Malta

2 Institute of Conservation and Management of Cultural Heritage, University of Malta, Malta

Abstract

A computer routine to predict variations in linear dimensions and warping of wood was designed and tested. This routine was applied on both experimental data obtained from laboratory-prepared wood samples as well as other data found in the literature. The two outcomes were compared and contrasted. Predictions resulting from the computer procedure resulted to be reliable only for wood which is straight grained and free from physical constraints and natural defects

1.AIM

The aim of the computer analysis exercise was to predict linear dimensional changes as well as any

possible warping (cupping) of unrestricted wood.

2.METHOD

A computer routine was devised by using two computer software packages, namely Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD 2000. Data found in the relevant literature was used in order to carry out the necessary workings.

The four stages of the computer analysis routine consist of:

(i)the end grain photography and line drawing on AutoCAD;
(ii) the merging of data into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet;
(iii) the interpretation of data and the relevant calculations; and
(iv) the re-construction of the panel end grain, considering the predicted contraction/expansion and

warping using AutoCAD.

2.1.End grain photography and line drawing by AutoCAD

The first step involved capturing an image of the end view of the panel. In this study, both direct scanning and digital photography were applied. One has to consider that photography has an element of inaccuracy due to perspective illusion.

The picture was transferred into AutoCAD and the outline traced. The drawing was then divided into a number of quadrilateral sections, as in the case of ABCD shown in Figure 1. In areas where the radius of curvature of the annual rings was quite small or complex, smaller quadrilateral sections were constructed. The diagonals in each section were then marked (as AD and BC in Figure 1) and the orientation of the grain was marked (as EF in Figure 1). All dimensions (of lines AB, CD, AC, BD, AD and BC) and angles of orientation (0º to 90º) were measured using AutoCAD.

AutoCAD line drawing

E

B

AC

F

D

Figure 1 - Measuring sides, diagonals some of the angles to grain orientation EF

All the following data was then fed into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet:

•initial temperature (T);
•initial relative humidity (RH);
•final T;
•final RH;
•literature value for longitudinal shrinkage (left out if length of panel was not being considered) and

when data was not available, a value of 0.1% was assumed; [1]

•literature value for tangential shrinkage of the given type of wood (left out if the width and the

thickness of the panel were not being considered);

•literature value for radial shrinkage of the wood under test (left out if the width and the thickness of

the panel were not being considered);

•literature value for the fibre saturation point (FSP), and when not available, a value of 30% was

assumed.

2.2.Interpretation of Data and Calculations

2.2.1.Equilibrium Moisture Content (EMC)

Calculation of the initial and final EMC values using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was carried out by

using formula number 1.

Equilibrium Moisture Content[2 ]

⎥⎦⎤

⎢⎣⎡

+

−

=

2

1

2

1

.

1

2

.

1

.

1800

RH

K

RH

K

RH

K

RH

K

RH

KRH

K

W

EMC

(1)

where:

EMC = equilibrium moisture content

RH = relative humidity (%/100)

For temperature T in degrees Celcius:

W = 349 + 1.29T + 0.0135T2
K = 0.805 - 0.000736T – 0.00000273 T2
K1 = 6.27 – 0.00938T – 0.000303 T2
K2 = 1.91+ 0.0407T – 0.000293T2

2.2.2. Theoretical Dimensional Change

An estimate of the value for shrinkage/expansion was obtained by using formula number 2.

Theoretical dimensional change[3 ]

i

f

i

MC

FSP

S

FSP

MC

D

+

−

=

Δ

)

(

100

(2)

where:

ΔD = dimensional change

MCi = initial moisture content (%)
MCf = final moisture content (%)
FSP = fibre saturation point (%)
S = published value for shrinkage (%)

2.2.3. Linear Dimensional Change

Considering that all dimensions in every orientation would undergo radial contraction/expansion, the extent of tangential contraction/expansion needs to be found. Formula number 3 was used to arrive at the final increase/decrease for every dimension recorded.

Linear dimensional change[4]

⎥⎦⎤

⎢⎣⎡

⎟⎟⎠⎞

⎜⎜⎝⎛

+

⎟⎠⎞

⎜⎝⎛

×

−

=

r

t

i

f

V

O

V

D

0

90

100

(3)

where:

Df = final dimension
Di = initial dimension
Vt = calculated tangential shrinkage (%)
Vr = calculated radial shrinkage (%)
OO = orientation (in degrees)

2.3. Reconstruction of the Panel End Grain presenting Contraction/Expansion and Warping on

AutoCAD

The results obtained as outlined above, by using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, were then transferred back to AutoCAD. The resulting outline (based on the new set of data) led to the indications of dimensional change as well as any cupping the panel would undergo as a result of changes in the T and the RH. Longitudinal contraction/shrinkage is deemed as insignificant, especially over short lengths, but it can still be predicted by using the same computer routine.

3.LIMITATIONS OF THE COMPUTER ANALYSIS

The computer analysis only leads to approximate results. These results are only reliable under given conditions while certain other conditions affect the behaviour of wood. Such instances outlined hereafter.

•The wood panels should be free from natural defects such as: cross grains, knots,

compression/tension wood, juvenile wood, etc.

•The wood should not be restricted by crossbars, frames and/or mounting hardware.

•Preparation and painting layers (as in panel paintings) lower the accuracy of the results obtained

from this computer analysis, especially when cupping is evaluated.

Published literature data for the coefficient of shrinkage (tangential, radial and longitudinal) as well as

the FSP are all average values, which might result to be quite different in reality. Dimensional