Effect of Hardwood Vessels on Longitudinal Moisture Diffusion

Authors

  • Elvin T. Choong
  • Perry N. Peralta
  • Todd F. Shupe

Keywords:

Moisture diffusion, hardwood vessels, sorption isotherm, red oak, American elm, sweet-gum

Abstract

The hypothesis that the longitudinal moisture content profile follows the shape of the sorption isotherm under steady-state diffusion condition was confirmed. This phenomenon was explained in terms of the unrestricted flow of water vapor from the lumen of one vessel element to the lumen of the next vessel element. Despite the assumed high vapor transport efficiency of the vessels, other cell types were believed to contribute substantially to longitudinal moisture movement. The diffusion coefficients of three different hardwood species were found to vary with moisture content.

References

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Published

2007-06-05

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Section

Research Contributions