ABSTRACTA numerical model of isothermal drying of deformable substances is proposed. The model is applied in a uni-directional case to analysis of water transport in a sphere of agar ge. The simulation program makes it possible to calculate the water content fields and def rmations and stresses in the sphere during drying. Validation of the water content profile results is proposed by the experimental study of the dehydration of gel spheres in a sugar solution. The sensitivity of internal stresses to drying conditions is then analysed.