Enter the original width, moisture content change, and shrinkage coefficient into the calculator to determine the shrinkage amount of wood. This calculator helps in estimating the dimensional change in wood due to variations in moisture content.
Wood Shrinkage Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the wood shrinkage amount.
SA = OW * (MC / 100) * SC
Variables:
- SA is the shrinkage amount (inches)
- OW is the original width of the wood (inches)
- MC is the moisture content change (%)
- SC is the shrinkage coefficient (per % moisture content change)
To calculate the wood shrinkage amount, multiply the original width by the moisture content change (expressed as a percentage) and then by the shrinkage coefficient.
What is Wood Shrinkage?
Wood shrinkage is the reduction in the dimensions of wood as it loses moisture. Wood is a hygroscopic material, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture from the surrounding environment. As the moisture content in wood decreases, the wood fibers contract, leading to shrinkage. The shrinkage coefficient is a measure of how much the wood will shrink per percent change in moisture content and varies depending on the species of wood and the direction of the grain.
How to Calculate Wood Shrinkage?
The following steps outline how to calculate the wood shrinkage amount.
- First, determine the original width of the wood (OW) in inches.
- Next, determine the moisture content change (MC) as a percentage.
- Next, determine the shrinkage coefficient (SC) for the wood species per percent moisture content change.
- Next, gather the formula from above = SA = OW * (MC / 100) * SC.
- Finally, calculate the shrinkage amount (SA) in inches.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem :
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Original width of the wood (OW) = 12 inches
Moisture content change (MC) = 10%
Shrinkage coefficient (SC) = 0.0025 per % MC
