Present status of research on mathematical models of heat and mass transfer during wood drying

The main objectives of developing and solving mathematical models of heat and mass transfer are to easily anticipate and control the drying process, and to promote the development of wood drying technology. This paper summarizes the domestic and abroad status of the research on establishment and solution of heat and mass transfer models in terms of mass transport, heat transfer, stress-strain and numerical solution method. According to the mechanism of wood drying, theory of heat and mass transfer and reality of drying production, we discuss the applications of the models and the problems existing in them. We suggest that future research could be focused on heat and mass transfer models that take into account real drying conditions, multi-dimensions (2/3D) and coupled stress-strain considering shrinkage.