Modelling and Optimisation of MDF Hot Pressing: Mathematical Model to Predict the Impact of Initial Parameters on the Final Properties of MDF Board

by Arun Gupta

The present computer model attempts a more complete integration than in previous published models of all the components such as heat transfer, moisture movement and vertical density profile formation in a one-dimensional model of hot pressing of MDF. The model can predict properties of a pressed board for the standard manufacturing conditions and also the new hot pressing technologies such as the use of steam injection or a cooling zone in the continuous press. The present model will become an important tool in the hands of wood technologists, process engineers and MDF manufacturing personnel, to better understand the internal processes and to improve production and quality of wood composite boards.

216 pages, Paperback

Published May 21, 2008

About the author

Arun Gupta is a venture capitalist, Lecturer at Stanford University for “Valley Meets Mission”, and Adjunct Entrepreneurship Professor and Senior Advisor to Provost at Georgetown University. He is CEO of NobleReach Foundation, which is focused on catalyzing and inspiring a renewed spirit of national service through innovation. NobleReach is scaling infrastructure to build pathways connecting top technology talent and innovation networks with government and providing the scaffolding to support their success. Arun is active in the emerging technology, entrepreneurship, public policy, and venture finance communities. He is passionate about inspiring students to pursue mission-oriented entrepreneurial careers and has committed to contribute ALL his proceeds from book sales to the NobleReach Foundation.

At Stanford University, Arun serves on the Stanford in Washington (SIW) Advisory Board, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies Advisory Council, and is a Faculty Lecturer teaching " Valley Meets Mission: Purposeful Entrepreneurship with Government" at Stanford in Washington. The class highlights his venture capital and academic experience building successful mission-oriented ventures at the intersection of the government, mission, technology, and entrepreneurship.

At Georgetown University, Arun serves on the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Advisory Board, Tech & Society Steering Committee, and teaches Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital at McDonough School of Business. He was awarded the Entrepreneurial Faculty Teaching Excellence Award and the Peter W. Gonzalez Jr. Award for Excellence in Faculty Teaching.

As a Partner at Columbia Capital, Arun’s investment career spanned eighteen years including initiating the firm’s Cybersecurity and Government technology investments with a focus on National Security, AI, and SaaS/Cloud infrastructure sectors. Prior to joining Columbia Capital in 2000, Arun was at Carlyle Venture Partners focused on software investments. Prior to Carlyle, Arun held positions in Arthur D. Little’s telecom and technology consulting practice and shared responsibility for establishing ADL’s management consulting operations in Mumbai 1995-98.

Arun received a B.S. degree with Distinction in Electrical Engineering and an M.S. degree in Engineering Economic Systems from Stanford University (’91). He received his M.B.A. from Harvard Business School (’95).

Arun has lived in the Washington DC metropolitan area for over 40 years and has been actively involved in local community organizations focusing on coaching youth sports, inner city educational programs, and food insecurity programs for vulnerable communities. Arun has been happily married for 27+ years to Dr. Anjali Mehta Gupta and has three wonderful children.