Drying Cavities, Fissures and Cracking

Cavities are internal spaces, fissures are narrow separations and cracks open at the surface or through the mass. They may originate before drying or develop as shrinkage proceeds.

Entrained air, loose stuffing, poor adhesion, coarse structure and weak bind can leave planes that later open.

Rapid surface drying, strong local airflow and large moisture gradients make the exterior shrink before the centre can follow.

Particle size, fat distribution, diameter and casing behaviour affect stress. Large or irregular products are more vulnerable to uneven shrinkage.

Inspect cross-sections at representative positions, compare chamber locations and review stuffing, weight loss and airflow records.

Improve air removal, fill, adhesion and gradual environmental control. Closing the surface crack does not correct an internal drying defect.