The Deformometric Kit: A method and an apparatus for monitoring the deformation of wooden panels

a b s t r a c t This paper describes the "Deformometric Kit" (DK), which is both a methodological approach and an equipment conceived, designed and made at DEISTAF (University of Florence). The DK's main purpose is to carry out measurements and monitoring of the deformation dynamics of wooden objects. The moni- toring can take place in virtually any environment, for any desired duration (minutes, hours, weeks, years, and so on). The measurement can be carried out mainly, but not exclusively, in connection with fluctu- ations of ambient temperature and relative humidity. The DK provides a reliable and accurate record (a first step towards understanding) of the behaviour of original panel paintings placed in their usual exhi- bition location, enabling curatorial staff and researchers to (a) obtain information about the behaviour of individual supports, in order to evaluate the impact of climate on their conservation state, help to make decisions for future restoration interventions; and (b) provide reference data for calibrating and validating numeric models. It can also provide data on the deformation of a panel while it is handled and transported, enabling an evaluation of stresses to which it is subjected during this operation. The device consists of two displacement transducers, which are fixed (in a low-impact, reversible way) to the back face of the panel, perpendicular to the grain, at different distances from the panel's surface. The two transducers not only measure the in-plane shrinkage/swelling of the panel, but since they are located at different distances, their measurements can also be combined with simple geometrical calculations to indicate the amount of distortion (cupping) which the panel undergoes. This paper explains the geomet- rical principles on which the DK is based, as well as its construction. Some examples of the data which have been obtained during actual monitoring by the DK are also included.