Improved Cutting Edges for Ice Removal

摘要

Laboratory tests were performed with a hydraulic ice-cutting rig to determine theeffects of the geometry of the cutting edge of a snow plow blade on the force required to remove ice from a highway pavement surface. Test results indicated that the most important parameter was the clearance angle, and the associated flat width. The prototype cutting edge was shown to be clearly superior to the other two edges, cutting more ice with less downforce, and thus resulting in greater vehicle control.