Abstract
The possibility of using the properties of an ultrasonic wave as a means for monitoring the moisture content of a board during drying was investigated. The ultrasonic wave signals are influenced by moisture content and other factors such as temperature, moisture gradient and coupling area. The effect of temperature was examined by measuring the transit times, amplitudes and velocities of ultrasonic waves transmitted through air, a metal bar and a board at various temperatures. The effect of a moisture gradient was studied using a model specimen composing five wood pieces of various moisture contents. The velocity and amplitude of the ultrasonic waves transmitted through air increase with temperature, while those through a metal bar and a board decrease. It was confirmed that the temperature effect is partially attributed to the change of transducer's properties. The effect of a moisture gradient on the velocity of an ultrasonic wave varies with the average moisture content of a board. As the dimension of the end face of a board increases the velocity of an ultrasonic wave increases and low frequency components more dominates than high frequency components. The transit times of ultrasonic waves transmitted through a board during kiln drying reflect the temperature steps in the drying schedule and the transducer temperatures.
