The Physics of Wood Decay: Sonic Tomography
Technical Briefing

The Physics of Wood Decay: Sonic Tomography

AuthorTori, PHC Manager
PublishedJan 28, 2024

Moving beyond the sounding hammer. How we use sound waves to visualize the internal structure of mature hardwoods without invasive drilling.

When assessing a mature oak with a visible fungal conk, the question is always: how much sound wood remains? Sonic tomography allows us to map the cross-section of a trunk by measuring the speed of sound waves between sensors. This non-invasive protocol provides a color-coded map of decay, enabling us to make data-driven decisions about risk management versus preservation.
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