George H. Atherton Papers, 1937-1979

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Atherton, George H. (George Harry), 1920-1987.
Title
George H. Atherton Papers
Dates
1937-1979 (inclusive)
1970-1979 (bulk)
Quantity
1.8 cubic feet, including 16 photos, (2 boxes)
Collection Number
MSS Atherton
Summary
The George H. Atherton Papers consist of materials created or assembled by Atherton in his work as a forest products researcher and teacher. Atherton was a research engineer with the Oregon Forest Products Laboratory from 1950 to 1961, when he became a Forest Products professor at Oregon State University.
Repository
Oregon State University Libraries, Special Collections and Archives Research Center
Special Collections and Archives Research Center
121 The Valley Library
Oregon State University
Corvallis OR
97331-4501
Telephone: 5417372075
Fax: 5417378674
scarc@oregonstate.edu
Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

George H. Atherton was a faculty member in Forest Products at Oregon State University from 1961 until his retirement in 1982; he was honored by the forestry students as an outstanding teacher with the Aufderheide Award. Atherton earned his BS (1950) and MS (1966) degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State. From 1950 until 1961, Atherton was a research engineer with the Oregon Forest Products Laboratory; he was in charge of milling and engineering for the laboratory in 1954-1961. His research specialties included heat transfer and timber mechanics.

As a Professor of Forest Products he taught upper-level courses, including Forest Products 321 and 422 on the mechanical properties of wood and wood products; supervised graduate students; participated in various short courses and seminars concerning veneer and lumber drying, as well as timber construction; and conducted research projects.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The George H. Atherton Papers consist of materials created or assembled by Atherton in his work as a forest products researcher and teacher. These include student projects and reference files.

The student projects are papers written by students in Atherton's mechanical properties course (Forest Products 422) during the 1970s. A subject index and list of the papers is included with the collection. The papers represent substantive research projects and address the mechanical properties of solid wood, veneer, wood composites, laminates, and other wood products; interactions and effects between wood products and various fasteners, such as nails, staples, and screws; paper manufacture, include the effect of recycle pulp; and the effects of moisture, drying temperature, and chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of wood products.

The reference files pertain to Atherton's research on heat transfer and timber mechanics and include reports, reprints, and publications; correspondence; research data; testing equipment manuals; and related documentation.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

George H. Atherton Papers, Oregon State University Special Collections & Archives Research Center, Corvallis, Oregon.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

The George H. Atherton Papers are arranged in 2 series: I. Student Reports, 1970-1979 and II. Reference Materials, 1937-1976.

Processing Note

Evaluations and grades of student papers have been redacted.

Acquisition Information

The papers were transferred by the Forest Products Department to the Archives in 1999.

Related Materials

A biographical file for Atherton is available in the College of Forestry Records (RG 139). The Forest Products Department Records (RG 003) include extensive documentation of forest products research and teaching at Oregon State. The Archives' collections include the papers of several other forest products faculty, including S.E. Corder, Leif Espenas, Douglas W. Glennie, Robert. D. Graham, and James W. Johnson. The August Rauch Collection documents Rauch's wood products research.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Student Reports, 1970-1979Return to Top

Contains student project reports from 1970-1979 from the Department of Forest Products at Oregon State University taught by George Atherton. Series is arranged alphabetically by author names and contains a bibliography and index for class reports.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
1
Bibliography – Student Reports and Index through 1979
Cross-reference index for class reports.
1979
1
Mark R. Arslan. An Evaluation of the Relationship between Torsional Modules of Rigidity and Modulus of Rupture in Bending for Douglas-Fir Dimension Lumber
1978
1
Jon C. Atherton. Effect of Species, Load and Load Cycling on Slip in Nailed Wood Joints
1979
1
Michael J. Bauman. Evaluation of Euler’s Formula for Predicting Critical Buckling Loads in Wood Columns
1978
1
Kurt Barats. Direct Withdrawal Resistance of Screws in Medium Density Fiberboard
1978
1
Jack W. Berka. The Effect of the Span-Depth Ratio on the Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity for Douglas-fir Box Beams
1976
1
Bruce W. Bevard. Study of Density Variation in Hardboard Using X-Radiation
1970
1
Philip R. Biencourt. Effect of Size and Location of Knots on the Bending Properties of Douglas-fir Studs
1979
1
John Boothe. The Effect of Fumigants at Three Temperatures on the Stiffness and Bending Strength of Douglas-fir Heartwood
1976
1
Wayne E. Borgersen. The Effect of Time on Interlayer Slip of Plywood by Two-by Four and Fiberboard to Two-by-Four Nailed Joints
1976
1
Stephen D. Browning. Prediction of Strength and Stiffness of a Glued Laminated Beam from Properties of Cores Taken From the Laminations of the Beam
1975
1
Nicholas E. Bush. Direct and Lateral Resistance of Power-Driven Nails and Staples in Clear Douglas-fir
1971
1
Christopher S. Carter. Determination of Moduli of Elasticity, Rupture, and Rigidity for Insulation Board
1974
1
John R. Cheeseman. Effect of Glueline Thickness on Shear and Tensile Properties of a Wood Composite
1975
1
Jon Chrysler. Is there a Difference in Bending Strength between Heartwood and Sapwood of Douglas-fir Veneer?
1970
1
Michael W. Clausen, Effect of Specimen Depth on Modulus of Elasticity in Clear Douglas-fir
1973
1
Robert J. Colella. Evaluation of the Slip Moduli of Three Plywood-To-Wall Stud Fastening Systems
1973
1
Joseph Coussens, Effects of Grade and Thickness Variations in Douglas-Fir Plywood on Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity and Shear Strength
1976
1
Douglas L. Crandall. The Screw-Holding Strength of Particleboard
1977
1
Gary A. Deeke. Accuracy of Euler's Formula in the Prediction of Critical Load on Axially-Loaded Slender Columns
1970
1
Greg Dickson. Specific Gravity, Percent Summerwood, and Ring Count, as Predictors of Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rupture
1974
1
Edward C. Dierling. The Effect of Fomes Pini on the Bending Strength and Stiffness of Clear Douglas-fir
1970
1
Mark C Dohrmann. Predicting Residual Strength and Stiffness of a Large Glued-Laminated Beam from Small Specimens Sawn from the Beam
1975
1
Michael B. Donivan. Strength of Furniture Joint vs. Furniture Joint Design
1975
1
Tom Eby. The Effect of Density, Thickness and Board Location on Bending Strength, Stiffness and Internal Bond Strength of Commercially Produced Particleboard
1977
1
Jon E. Edens. The Effects of Nail Spacing, Nailing Angle, and Joints on Interlayer Slip, in Plywood Sheating—Two-By-Four Construction
1975
1
Keith Ehrensing. The Effect of Screw Size on Direct Screw Withdrawal Strength of Particleboard
1970
1
Bruce H. Erickson. Comparative Tests of Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rupture Between Clear Wood Sapwood Produced Beyond an Occluded Knot and Clear Wood Sapwood Developed Between Nodes of a 27 Year Old Douglas-fir
1970
1
Thomas C. Ewen. A Comparison of the Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity, Plywood Glue Line Shear Strength, and Percent Wood Failure on One Half Inch 3-Ply, 4-Ply, and 5-Ply Plywoods
1971
1
Virgilio A. Fernandez. Effect of Fire-Retardant Treatments on the Strength and Stiffness of Small Douglas-fir Beams
undated
1
David F. Flaming. Effects of Specific Gravity, Depth of Penetration, and Grain Direction on the Direct Withdrawal Resistance of Nails
1976
1
Charles Geissel. Effect of Depth in Small Clear Beams on Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity and Modulus of Rigidity
1974
1
Mark A. Gillies. Work Done in FP 422 Mechanical Properties II
1978
1
Dennis M. Golik. Dynamic Modulus of Elasticity Measured by Flexural Vibration as a Cantilever as a Predictor of Modulus of Rupture for Clear Western Hemlock
1972
1
Stephen W. Griffith. Effect of Head Speed, Span, and Thickness on Strength and Stiffness of Hardboard
1979
1
Mark Grube. The Comparison of the Strength Properties of Three Construction Panels
1979
1
David Haas. Effect of Use of Recycled Pulp on the Properties of Bleached Douglas-fir Kraft Paper
1979
1
Jim Hallstrom. Development of a Non-Destructive Testing Method for Unseasoned Douglas-fir Scaffold Plank
1973
1
Kerry A. Hart. A Comparison of MOR and MOE of Dry Douglas-fir 2 x 4 Studs from Peeler Cores and Small Logs with Studs from the Outer Part of Larger Logs
Includes 2 color prints
undated
1
John H. Hatton. Effect of Long Term Water Soak on Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity in Particleboard Underlayment
1970
1
Guy G. Helsing. The Effect of Three Fumigants on Stiffness and Strength of Douglas-fir Heartwood
1973
1
Jim Herold. Direct Withdrawal Resistance of 1¼” Helically Grooved Nails Compared with 1¼” Flathead Screws in Douglas-Fir and White Oak
1973
1
Mark Hollaender. Comparing Nails and Screws and Investigating the Effect of Load Levels and Load Cycling on Interlayer Slip
1979
1
Robert K. Horton. The Effect of Beating and Sheet Weight on the Strength Properties of Kraft Paper
1970
1
Bill Huff. Modulus of Elasticity Measured by Static and Dynamic Methods as Non-destructive Predictors of Modulus of Rupture
1976
1
Bob Inwards. The Effect of Vapam (Sodium Methyl Dithiocarbamate) on the Stiffness and Bending Strength of Douglas-fir Heartwood
1975
1
Gotzsche-Larsen Jens. Determination of Modulus of Rigidity and True Modulus of Elasticity for Three Sizes of Douglas-fir Beams
1976
1
John A. Johnson. Effect of Machine Direction on Certain Properties of Particleboard Underlayment
1976
1
David E. Jordan. The Effect of Load Application Direction with Respect to Grain Angle on the Shear Strength of Clear Douglas-fir
1971
1
Stephen S. Kelly. The Modulus of Elasticity of Particleboard as Effected by Small Span/Depth Ratios
1977
1
Nancy Klink. The Effects of Thickness, Frequency, and Sound Pressure Level on the Sound Transmission Loss of Three Materials Commonly Used in Building Construction
1978
1
Chuck L. Kroeger. Comparison of Utility-Grade Englemann Spruce Two-By-Four Stud Strength Ratios Determined by Three Different Methods
1973
1
David G. Langland. Effect of Beating Time, Basis Weight, and Test Span on Some Paper Properties
1977
1
Daniel J. Lewis. The Mechanical Properties of Hardboard as Affected by Orzan
1977
1
Gray S. Likins. Moduli of Elasticity Determined by Three Methods as a Predictor of Modulus of Rupture for Clear Douglas-fir Studs
1977
1
Jim Lyman. Variation of Modu1us of Elasticity in ½" Plywood With Respect to Specimen Size
1976
1
Edward J. McLaughlin Jr. Special Term Report on Activities in Mechanical Properties Tim Marcy, Moisture Content and How It Effects the Strength and Stiffness of Wood in Bending
Includes 4 b/w prints
1974
1
Norman Marrs. Effect of Fiberglass Lamination on the Strength of Small Clear Wood Specimens
1970
1
Greg W. Miller. Strength and Stiffness of Composite I Beams with Structural Particleboard Webs and Solid Wood Flanges
1975
1
Arjen A. Morks. Effects of Accelerated Aging Methods on the Properties of Plywood
1978
1
Michael E. Murphy. The Effect of Preservative Treatments on the Withdrawal Resistance of Three Nail Types in Douglas-fir
1978
1
Scott Nebinger. Tension Strength and Stiffness of Nailed or Glued Truss Plate End-Joints
Includes 2 b/w prints
1977
1
Bradley J. Nutting. Comparison of Bending Properties of Peeler Core-Cut and Log-Cut Studs
1979
1
Jerry Obendorf. Creep and Recovery in Particleboard as Affected by Relative Humidity
Includes 5 b/w prints
1970
1
Edward W. Olson. Effect of Redrying on the Bending Properties of Veneer
1979
1
Gregg T. Perry. Effect of Moisture Contents Below Fiber Saturation Point on Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity in Two Specific Gravity Classes of Flat-Grain Western Hemlock
1971
1
Larry Phillips. Accuracy of Eulers Formula in the Prediction of Critical Load on Axially Loaded Slender Columns
1971
1
James L. Ployhar. The Effect of High Temperature on the Strength of Two Northwest Softwoods
1979
1
Mark Powers. A Study of the Strength Properties of Hole-Incised Dimension Lumber
1979
1
Jerry Premo. The Effect of Moisture Content on Direct Withdrawal of Common Wire Nails in Western Hemlock
1971
1
Rod L. Remington. The Effect of Finger Joints on the Tensile Strength of Douglas-fir 2” x 4”
1970
1
Stephen Renn. The Effects of Nail Size, Plywood Thickness, and Edge Distance on Nail Strength and Joint Slip of Plywood-Solid Wood Joints
1976
1
Johan Rering. Flexural Properties of a Particleboard Wood-Veneer Composite
1977
1
Eric R. Schild. The Strength of Nail, Screw, and Glue Joints Using Ponderosa Pine, Douglas-fir Plywood, and Particleboard
1978
1
Glenn Schroeder. Relationships Between Specific Gravity, Hardness, Modulus of Elasticity, and Modulus of Rupture in Clear Douglas-fir
1971
1
Randall Scott. Predicting Plywood Strength and Stiffness from Veneer Strength and Stiffness
1970
1
Michael K. Seeds. A Comparison of Modulus of Rupture, Modulus of Elasticity, Shear Strength, and Percent Wood Failure of Three Different Types of One-Half Inch Exterior-Grade Douglas-fir Plywood
1975
1
Thomas H. Sheffield. An Experiment to Examine the Effect of Freezing Temperatures on the Bending Properties of Solid Wood
1979
1
Tom Shuford. Effect of Resin Impregnated Lead Holes on Direct Screw Withdrawal Resistance
Includes 3 b/w prints
1970
1
Michael A. Sigman. Particleboard Properties as a Function of Location Within a Hot Press
1978
1
Ray Slaughter. Evaluating the Effect of Drying Temperature of Rotary-Cut Veneers on Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity of 3/8" Douglas-Fir Plywood
1971
1
Harry R. Sondag. A Comparison of Two Methods of Accelerated Aging of Particle Board by Means of Modulus of Rupture
1971
1
Robert Neal Stephen. Comparison of Bending Strength, Stiffness and Internal Bond Strength for Two Types of Structural and One Industrial-Grade Particleboard
1975
1
John W. Stermer. The Determination of True Modulus of Elasticity of Douglas-fir and Coast Hemlock 2x6's
1979
1
Glenn Schroeder. Derivations Design
1973
2
George R. Tietze. Effect of Stress Level of the Creep of Three Types of Composite Boards
1979
2
Larry C. Tinker. Prediction of Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity of Small Clear Specimens from Properties of Increment Cores
1974
2
Charles R. Turner. Correlation of Circular Saw Power Requirements with Wood Specific Gravity Variations and Saw Feed Rate
1976
2
David Underriner. Specific Gravity, Ring Count, and Percent Summerwood as Indicators of Strength in Douglas-fir
1979
2
James S. Vahrenwald. Analysis of Visual Strength Ratio, Actual Strength Ratio, Specific Gravity and Modulus of Elasticity as Predictors of Modulus of Rupture
1976
2
Cle Wade. The Effect of Starch and Refining Time on Tensile Stretch, Tensile Energy Absorption, Bursting Strength and MOE in Bending of Paper
1975
2
Brian A. Wagner. Thickness, Density and Machine Direction and Their Effects on Bending Properties
1977
2
Tim Wall. Effect of Span Width, and Method of Loading on Modulus of Elasticity of Plywood
1973
2
Mark Watson. The Effect of Stress Level and Thickness Upon the Creep Properties of Particleboard From Two Different Sources
1978
2
Andrew F. Winkle. The Effect of Incising on Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity of Douglas-fir
1971
2
Walter M. Wirfs. Effect of Impact on Modulus of Rupture and Modulus of Elasticity of Urea-formaldehyde Bonded Douglas-Fir Particle Board
1973

Series II:  Reference Materials, 1937-1976Return to Top

Contains correspondence, research data, reports, testing equipment manuals and related documentation pertaining to forest products. The bulk of the items in this series are related documentation and testing equipment manuals.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box
2
Bark, Volume, and Specific Gravities (Lodewick)
Correspondence
1957
2
Bark Specific Gravity and Moisture Content
Correspondence
1951
2
Barometer
Related Documentation
1937-1959
2
Connectors
Research Data
undated
2
Combustion of Wood
Related Documentation
1958-1962
2
Chips-Springfield Survey 20c
Report
1954
2
CO2 vs. XSAIR and Stack Temp VSXS
Related Documentation
1956
2
Corrosion and Deterioration of Wood in Contact with Iron Plus Other Corrosion
Research Data
1962-1964
2
Deflectometer – Test Mach. Specs.
Related Documentation
undated
2
DIAPH. Test Apparatus 45KI, Redesign of
Research Data
1960
2
ERROTC in DEFL. RDGS when Using 8” x 6 ½” WF Beam in Test Machine and New 15” Deep I-Beam
Research Data
1966
2
High-Temp. Veneer Drying Apparatus
Research Data
1966
2
Floor Test Apparatus
Research Data
1963
2
Shrinkage Measurement Apparatus
Research Data
1963
2
Cap Test Mold
Research Data
1959
2
Diaphragm Test Apparatus
Research Data
1960
2
Heat Pump
Related Documentation
1948-1960
2
Ignition, Charring Temp., Wood
Correspondence
1949-1967
2
Impregnator
Research Data
1952
2
5/4 and 4/4 Joists
Research Data
1962
2
Log Scale vs. FT3, Vol. of Stumps
Related Documentation
1953
2
ALTEC – Microphone
Testing Equipment Manual
1954-1959
2
MOE Calc. From Slope – 60,000 Test Mach.
Related Documentation
undated
2
Reeves Drives
Testing Equipment Manual
1951
2
Roots Blower
Testing Equipment Manual
1948
2
Sanborn Recorder Schaevitz, Gages etc
Testing Equipment Manual
1963-1965
2
Sanborn Recorder Manual
Testing Equipment Manual
1962-1964
2
Shrinkage, Swelling
Related Documentation
undated
2
Steel Strength Variation
Related Documentation
1954
2
Steel-Wood Joist-Stud, Cost Compare
Related Documentation
1972
2
Strain Gages
Testing Equipment Manual
1960-1961
2
Temp. Meas. Instr.
Testing Equipment Manual
1949-1964
2
Test Grips (Two Different Sets)
Research Data
1964-1965
2
Temp. Recorder Specs, GE-Also Range Change Kit
Testing Equipment Manual
1959-1967
2
Thermal Expansion of Wood
Related Documentation
1960
2
Thermal Properties of Wood (List of Duplications) USFPL
Related Documentation
1961
2
Temperature Measurement
Related Documentation
1948-1951
2
Veneer – Heated
Related Documentation
1960
2
Vibration Insulators and Vibrators
Related Documentation
1954-1960
2
Floor Vibration Meas.
Testing Equipment Manual
1969-1974
2
Weighing Devices
Test Equipment Manual
1951-1952
2
Wood, Slabs, Cubic Vol. Rel., Also Bark on Slab
Related Documentation
1954
2
INSTRON – Inst. Manuals
Testing Equipment Manual
1964-1971
2
INSTRON – New Machines
Testing Equipment Manual
1976

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Forest products--Oregon.
  • Forestry laboratories--Oregon--Corvallis.
  • Forestry schools and education--Curricula--Oregon--Corvallis.
  • Lumber--Drying.
  • Veneers and veneering.
  • Wood--Mechanical properties.
  • Wood--Testing.
  • Wood--Thermal properties.

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Oregon Forest Products Laboratory. (creator)
    • Oregon State University. Dept. of Forest Products. (creator)
    • Oregon State University. Forest Research Laboratory. (creator)