Advances in Wood Characterization and in Tree Sorting and Inspections: Insights from Acoustic Testing and Tomographic Imaging
A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Wood Science and Forest Products".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 494
Special Issue Editors
Interests: nondestructive testing; wood characterization; wood classification; tree classification; tree inspections; wood structure inspections
Interests: nondestructive testing of; wood characterization; wood structure inspections; tree biomechanics; physical and mechanical properties of wood and wood products; design, calculation, pathology and rehabilitation of timber structures
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The study of wood and tree characterization has evolved significantly over the years, with innovations in nondestructive testing methods such as ultrasonic testing playing key roles. Historically, tree inspections relied only visual assessments; however, with advancements in technology, such as tomographic imaging, more accurate and efficient results in terms of the evaluation of tree health became possible. Finally, the prediction of knowledge regarding wood quality has also become possible thanks to advances in nondestructive methods applicable to standing trees.
The aim of this Special Issue is to explore the latest developments in acoustic testing and tomographic imaging techniques for tree sorting and inspection, as well as for wood characterization. These methods offer detailed insights into the internal structures of trees, allowing for the precise detection of defects. Ultrasonic testing uses acoustic waves to infer, for example, wood density and elasticity, while tomographic imaging creates detailed 3D images of a tree’s internal condition, enhancing tree management practices and timber quality assessments.
Cutting-edge research in these fields promises to revolutionize the forestry and timber industries by offering faster, more reliable ways to assess the structural integrity and suitability of trees for different purposes. These technologies not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to sustainable forest management practices, ensuring that natural resources are used responsibly.
Prof. Dr. Raquel Gonçalves
Prof. Dr. Guillermo Íñiguez-González
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- nondestructive technologies
- acoustic tests
- acoustic tomography
- inspection methods
- characterization methods
- classification methods
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