Estimation of green moisture content distribution in hemfir timber by stochastic simulation

Abstract This paper describes an improved stochastic model designed to simulate systems, such as green timbers, that cannot be analyzed as a unit but as a collection of a large number of similar components. The stochastic model provides a piecewise green moisture content frequency distribution curve by using nondestructive measurements such as of timber weight. A new, relatively simple two-parameter function was designed to describe the log-normal moisture concentration distribution above the fiber saturation point, and the parameters of this function were determined by fitting the experimental timber weights with the results of the stochastic model. The simulated green moisture content distributions showed good agreement with the experimental data for Pacific coast hemlock (hemfir) timbers, thus providing a piece of information that is indispensable for applying stochastic simulation to industrial drying of timbers.