We examine how stem taper and the nonuniformity of bark along the trunk affect the efficiency of bundle mechanical decortication in drums.Such decortication enhances the performance of timber-preparation facilities.We demonstrate that the decortication of fast-taper longwood assortments may result in uneven barking along the trunks.Therefore, improvement of the technological process of longwood drum barking will diminish the offgrade portion of the chip and thus will result in better rates of competitiveness.Long size logs are often bent in barking drums. Further studies should take into account the resultant alternating strain in the bark, including stretching and compression. It also appears important to examine the effect of negative temperatures and bark moisture content on the resistance of the bark to the combined effect of stretching, compression, and impact shock.

Keywords: bundle barking, stem taper, barking quality, barking drum, long-cut timber barking, bark.