Deep tillage tool optimization by means of finite element method: Case study for a subsoiler tine

摘要

Technologies and computer capacity currently available allow us to employ design software and numerical methods to solve complicated problems in very wide disciplines of engineering. It is also important for researches in agriculture. This study focused on obtaining optimum geometry parameters of a subsoiler tine by using computer aided engineering (CAE) applications. A field experiment was conducted to determine draft force of the subsoiler. The results from the experimental study were used in the finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate stress distributions on the subsoiler tine. The maximum equivalent stress of 432.49 MPa was obtained in the FEA. Visual investigations and FEA results showed that according to the tine’s material yield stress point of 355 MPa, plastic deformation was evident. Based on the FEA results, an optimization study was undertaken to obtain optimum geometry parameters without the occurrence of plastic deformation. According to the optimization study results, the optimum parameters of the tine geometry and maximum equivalent stress of 346.61 MPa were obtained. In addition to this, the total mass of the tine was reduced by about 0.367 kg.