Current Research Projects

Improving the crash performance of log truck cab guards: This project is using a dynamic solution in finite element modeling to locate the weak points in the cab guard design, and to develop methods of absorbing the impact load of the logs hitting the guard during rapid decelerations.

Developing experiential learning opportunities in mechanized forest harvesting distance education: This project is considering 4 levels of involvement with the simulated forest harvesting environment with the goal of determining the optimal level of involvement to achieve distance education learning objectives

Operational Feasibility Analysis for Cable-assisted Logging Systems: Equipment Stability, Soil Disturbance and Worker Safety: This project conducts empirical studies on the effects of tethered ground-based logging on operational feasibility, soil disturbance, system productivity and worker safety. 

Selected Completed Research Projects

Lyons, K., J. Sessions and J. Wimer. 2020. Design of continuous bridle multiple-stump anchors. International J. of Forest Engr. 31(1):1-8.

Lyons, K., J. Sessions and J. Wimer. 2020.  The effect on tether tension when using trees to redirect live machine tethers during forest harvesting on steep slopes. Biosystems Engineering 195(2020):89-96.

Chung, W., K. Lyons, and L. Wells. 2020. Innovations in forest harvesting technology. Achieving sustainable management of boreal and temperate forests. Edited by Dr John A. Stanturf. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing. 872p

Garland, J., F. Belart, R. Crawford,  W. Chung, T. Cushing, S. Fitzgerald, P. Green, L. Kincl, B.  Leshchinsky, B. Morrissette, J. Sessions and J. Wimer.  2019.  Safety in steep slope logging operations, Journal of Agromedicine 24(2):138-145.

Belart, F., B. Leshchinsky, J. Sessions, W. Chung, P. Green, J. Wimer, and B. Morrissette.   2019.  Sliding Stability of Cable-Assisted Tracked Equipment on Steep Slopes.  Forest Science 65(3):304-311.  Online Dec 20, 2018.

Sessions, J. and K. Lyons. 2019. Harvesting elevation potential from mountain forests. International J. of Forest Engineering 29(3):192-198. 

Sessions, J., B. Leshchinsky, W. Chung, K. Boston, and J. Wimer. 2017. Theoretical Stability and Traction of Steep Slope Tethered Feller-Bunchers. Forest Science 63(2):192-200.

Green, P., W. Chung, B. Leshchinsky, F. Belart, J. Sessions, S. Fitzgerald, J. Wimer, T. Cushing, and J. Garland.  2019.  Insight into the Productivity, Cost and Soil Impacts of Cable-assisted Harvester-forwarder Thinning in Western Oregon. Forest Science 66(1): 82-96.

Courses

FE 440 Forest Operations Analysis: The MHL harvesting simulators are used to generate machine productivity data for harvesting system productivity and cost analysis exercises.

FE 470 Logging Mechanics: The MHL harvesting simulators and terrain editor are used by students to back calculate traction and machine stability problems.

FE 471 Harvesting Management: The MHL harvesting simulators are used to stage accidents for student accident investigation exercises, and to explore the viability of proposed action plans.

FE 472 Mechanized Harvesting and Simulation: The MHL harvesting simulators give the student hands on experience with the actual controls from a range of harvesting machines permitting them to assess equipment performance and log value maximization.