Timber characterisation using a non-invasive TDR sensor

This paper utilizes the technique of Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to aid in the characterization of timber. The electric field of TDR sensor is very sensitive to moisture trapped within the timber and can thus be used to infer anomalies in the grain down to a depth of approximately 10 cm below its surface. This novel application of non-invasive TDR indicates the presence of timber characteristics such as size and frequency of knots, splits and decay by a time series analysis of the propagation delays as the TDR sensor probe is moved along the timber surface.