Question 27.4: An oak pole having an initial uniform moisture content of 45...
An oak pole having an initial uniform moisture content of 45 \mathrm{wt} \% is placed in a drying kiln where its surface moisture is maintained at 15 \mathrm{wt} \%. Under the specified drying conditions, the drying was controlled by the internal diffusion of liquid water to the surface. If the maximum moisture content of the pole is set at 25 \mathrm{wt} \%, how long must the 10 -cm-diameter by 45 -cm-length pole be dried when the ends of the pole are sealed with a vapor barrier? In comparison, how long must the same cylinder be dried if the cylinder surface is sealed with a vapor barrier and the ends are exposed?
The diffusivity of moisture through the oak is 1.04 \times 10^{-5} \mathrm{~cm}^{2} / \mathrm{s} under the specified drying conditions.
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