A method for measuring vessel-free density distribution in hardwoods

Abstract

A new method for rapid measurement of vessel-free density distribution in hardwood samples cut from increment cores is proposed. The method represents a specialised form of computer tomography which combines the data of X-ray microdensitometry with the information obtained from optical images of the transverse surface of the sample. The tests of the method using a Eucalyptus nitens sample show significant improvement in the accuracy of density determination compared with conventional X-ray densitometry.