Modeling the Cupping of Lumber

Wood shrinks anisotropically as it loses hygroscopic moisture. While longitudinal shrinkage (parallel to the grain) is nearly negligible in normal wood, transverse shrinkage (across the grain) is significant and characterized as tangential and radial shrinkage. The application of average tangential shrinkage values to a rectangular cross section results in errors, especially for boards cut from near the center of the log. In addition, using a Cartesian coordinate system to calculate shrinkage cannot provide an estimate of cup. Calculating shrinkage and cup deformation using a previously developed model, this Excel model can provide a more realistic image of the final cross section and a more accurate estimate of shrinkage. The model is dependent on wood species, initial and final moisture contents, and location of the board within the log. This paper describes and illustrates uses of the model.