Grain angle detection on local scale using microwave transmission

Abstract

An important aspect in machine strength grading of timber is the direction of the grain and deviations from the main axis, which can cause a dramatic loss of strength. Therefore, an essential requirement of the wood industry is to find the direction of wood fibres in a fast and non-invasive way. For three decades now the use of polarised microwave radiation has been investigated, revealing the main direction of wood fibres in a non-contact and non-destructive way. The development of new small sized patch antennas now allows the detection of grain deviations on a local scale using a free microwave transmission method. This paper presents experimental results on accuracy and resolution for spruce specimens of different dimensions. Local signal variations, as well as boundary effects are discussed, particularly in view of possible industrial implementation.

Keywords

Strength grading Microwave scanning Grain angle Edge effect

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