Investigation of Betel Palm Sheath during Punch/Die Shear Cutting

Abstract

This research was carried out to study punch/die shear cutting of betel palm sheath. In a shear cutting experiment, shearing process parameters i.e., the moisture content of the palm sheath and the punch/die clearance were varied and investigated. Experimental results showed that both of the process parameters played an important role on the surface cracking of the palm sheath. In order to discuss the cutting characteristics of the palm sheath, a finite element method (FEM) analysis of the shear cutting was conducted. Based on simulation results with the surface cracking observed in the experiment, it was confirmed that the position of the peak maximum principal stress on the palm sheath surface varied with the punch/die clearance. Also, the position of the surface cracking was relevant to the position of the peak maximum principal stress.