Because of the nonhomogeneous and nonlinear properties of wood, exact
solutions for heat and mass transfer are difficult to obtain by curren
t methods of analysis. This work presents a numerical solution for the
analysis of drying wood using the finite element method. A nonlinear
model was established on a two-dimensional finite element grid structu
re that considers local density variation. Through the finite element
method of analysis of unsteady-state heat and moisture transfer in woo
d, the dynamic profiles of temperature and moisture content were deter
mined at a series of drying times. The resulting numerical solutions m
atch well with experimental results and with published results. The re
sults will help to extend understanding of wood-water and temperature
relations. In future studies, these data can be incorporated into dryi
ng stress analysis to analyze checking or warping.