System and method of assessing the structural properties of wooden members using ultrasound

Abstract

A system and method of detecting anomalies and/or grain variations in a wooden member. At least one ultrasonic transmitter (401) applies an ultrasound waveform into a surface of a wooden member (100) so as to generate a multiplicity of ultrasonic waves including, e.g., longitudinal and shear waves. These ultrasonic waves are measured after propagation through the wooden member by at least one ultrasonic receiver (402) disposed on the same surface of the wooden member. At least one ultrasonic receiver (501) may also be placed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter (401) so as to detect radial transmission of the longitudinal ultrasonic wave at a point across the wooden member. The received ultrasonic waves are processed to determine anomalies and/or grain variations in the wooden member at positions of the wooden member between the ultrasonic transmitter and the ultrasonic receiver(s). The ultrasonic transmitters and receivers the ultrasound may be placed in rollers to facilitate high-speed, in-line processing of wooden members.