Parametric Studies And Energy Requirement Of An Inclined Narrow Model Chisel Blade In A Laboratory Soil Bin

Energy requirement of tillage operations depends on soil properties, tool and operating parameters. Effects of these factors on energy requirement to reduce cost of production, during tillage operations are yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study was aimed at determining parameters affecting energy requirement during tillage. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine the engineering properties of the soil; (ii) determine soil draught of an inclined narrow model chisel blades in the laboratory soil bin; and (iii) develop empirical model equations for predicting draught and validate them with experimental data.rnA modified soil bin measuring was used for the experiment. Soil samples collected from 36 representative locations in Kwara State were analyzed and mixed thoroughly before loading. Tool and soil processing carriages and model chisel blades were designed and constructed. The system was instrumented to log the draught in XYZ directions with respect to distance and time. Soil preparation for data collection involved soil pulverization, leveling and compaction. Soil penetration resistance and bulk density were determined at several locations along and across the soil bin. Effects of operating depth (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mm); forward speed (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 and 1.25 m/s); tool cutting edge width (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mm); and tool angle of lift (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60°), on draught were studied. Soil moisture content range was maintained at 10 to 12% (dry basis) throughout the experiment. A 45 factorial statistical design in a completely randomized block was used. Regression equations were developed based on the contribution of each factor and combination of all factors to draught of tillage tool. The model equations developed were validated using parameters obtained from the soil bin experiment. rnThe findings of the study were that:rnrn(i) engineering properties of the soil were 1.50 g/cm3, 26.6°, 29.8° and 16.67 kPa for bulk density, angle of internal friction, soil-metal friction angle and cohesion, respectively;rnrn(ii) draught of inclined narrow model chisel was affected by width of cutting edge, depth, operating speed and angle of lift. The effects of interactions of these parameters were also significant (p ≤ 0.05); andrnrn(iii) regression equations showed linear relationship between draught and speed (R² = 0.85), width of cutting edge (R² = 0.99), and depth of operation (R² = 0.91) while the relationship between draught and tool angle of lift was quadratic (R² = 0.94). rnrnThe study concluded that tool width, lift angle, depth, speed of operation and soil type are parameters that affect energy requirement of an inclined narrow model chisel blade. It is therefore recommended that the effects of these parameters must be considered in the design of an inclined narrow model chisel blade to enhance effective tillage operations and minimize energy requirement.

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