Modelling of vacuum drying of Australian hardwood species

Abstract

In this thesis, a coupled heat and mass transfer and drying stress failure model was developed to predict vacuum and conventional drying behaviour of Australian hardwoods. The method was based on extensive measurement of key model parameters that were used as input data for the Multiphysics and finite element analysis models and then validated against semi-industrial drying trials. The research outcomes provide the Australian hardwood industry with a tool that can be used to reduce current drying time, costs and waste due to drying degradation.