Two proof-of-concept, nontraditional density measurement techniques for partially charred wood

Abstract

As wood is exposed to high temperatures, pyrolysis begins, permanently altering the material properties as volatiles and char are formed. The rate at which char is formed is used to predict failure times for timber members and has been shown to be inversely related to the density of the wood. Because the density is a function of local exposure temperatures, it is inherently difficult to measure and typically is simplified to a single bulk value for either unmodified wood or the density of wood and char. Here, we report the use of two fast, simple density measurement techniques to characterize the changes in density in partially charred wood. The validation of these techniques will allow for more accurate density values to be obtained and included when modeling pyrolysis in wood.

Citation

Hasburgh, L.E.; Bechle, N.J.; Plaza, N.Z. 2023. Two proof-of-concept, nontraditional density measurement techniques for partially charred wood. STP 1642. In: Bruns, M.C.; Janssens, M.L., eds. ASTM 42nd Symposium on Obtaining Data for Fire Growth Models. December 14-15, 2021. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International: 97-107. https://doi.org/10.1520/STP164220210104.