The concept of composite mat simulation is developed assuming real mat formation follows a random process. Based on the mathematical model developed by Dai and Steiner (1993, 1994a and 1994b) and structural characteristics defined in this thesis, a Monte Carlo simulation program was written to run in a Microsoft Windows environment. Several kinds of simulations and calculations can be performed using the program. In this study, simulated mats that were randomly generated by a computer were analyzed in terms of the following structural characteristics: flake deposition, flake center placement, flake area coverage, free flake length and its distribution, flake crossings, location and distribution of void size, and density and overlap distributions. The simulation program can also determine the effect of sampling zone size on the maximum, minimum and mean density, standard deviation and mean deviation of density distribution. A similar analysis could also be performed on experimental designed mats. This paper demonstrates the use of the simulation program as a tool to improve the understanding of internal mat structures and the related properties.

A paper prepared from this chapter has been published in the Forest Products Journal, 48(5): 89-93, 1998.
 

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