Pinus radiata studs of cross section 4 X 1 1/2 inch, sawn to enclose the pith, were dried in conditions of high and low temperatures, high and low air velocities, with and without presteaming, and with and without mechanical restraint. The resultant twist and torque values were measured and it was found that torque developed during drying was negatively correlated with drying rate. The results are interpreted in terms of the elastic-plastic properties of wood during drying. Torque values were used to calculate the equivalent loads required to restrain packs of this timber from twisting during drying and these compared well with optimum loads derived empirically in commercial trials
