An Approach for Modelling Harvester Head Mechanism in the Harvesting Process of Hardwood Stands

Abstract

This paper presents an approach for modelling and simulating of harvester head mechanism in the harvesting process of hardwood stands. This type of trees is characterized by flexuous trunks and big branches. Hence, the current harvester heads are not enough efficient to process such trees. In order to predict the process performances associated with several novel architectures of harvester heads, in preliminary design stage, a modelling of the process has been developed. It is based on parameterized tree models with realistic geometry by adapting an existing method. Dynamic modelling of the delimbing process proposed in this paper uses original cutting and feeding models which have been validated experimentally. The modelling and simulation of harvester head mechanisms have been implemented in a numerical multibody environment. Simulation results of the global model are in a good agreement with the observed behaviour of the real system.