A non-destructive method for determining the degree of flake orientation in OSB

Summary

A description of flake orientation in OSB is presented by means of standard distribution cut at the length interval π. The root of variance of this distribution is indicated as the parameter which characterizes the degree of flake orientation. Using the anisotropy of microwave attenuation caused by wood, a non-destructive method of determining this parameter has been elaborated. The method is based on the conviction, that particleboards have properties which correspond to the averaged density dependent properties of wood. The averaging procedure is discussed and a system of equations is stated that enables to determine the mean orientation direction and the degree of flake orientation. The results of a preliminary verification of the method, carried out with a wood-veneer-model of the OSB-properties are encouraging. Substantial correlation between the degree of flake orientation and the anisotropy of microwave attenuation has also been ascertained.