Discrete Event Simulations in Forest Technology

Abstract: Development of a tool for discrete event simulations in forest technology, dependent onspatial components, has successfully been initialized in this thesis project. These simulations may be used to optimize the way the forest is used and to evaluate new machine concepts in forestry. The Python library for discrete event simulation, SimPy, was chosen as the foundationfor the tool. The developed tool can handle spatial objects such as moving machines, trees and boulders. Support for continuous linear movements was also added, which has resulted in a model that partially overlaps continuous and discrete event simulations without any additional computational costs. The result is simulations of a forest with machines operating in it. Two pilot simulations,one of a thinning machine and one of a planting machine, were performed with useful results. The new simulation tool shows promising properties. Limitations and improvements arediscussed, with the conclusion that continued development is recommended.