Optimization of the Angle of Frog in Mouldboard Tillage Operations in Sandy Clay Soil

Angela Hiuhu,Ayub Njoroge Gitau,John Ndisya Mulwa,Duncan Onyango Mbuge

doi:10.4236/ojop.2015.44013

Abstract

This paper investigated the effect of three independent variables including: tillage speed (ranges of below 2.5 m/s and between 2.5 m/s and 5 m/s), tillage depth (range of 10 cm from 0 cm to 30 cm) and frog angle (30&deg 40&deg, and 50&deg) on draught forces. The experimental work was completed with determination of the draught forces using an analytical method (Saunders Equation). Numerical Simulation: Discrete Element Method (DEM) was used to verify the results obtained analytically. The results indicated that tillage depth has a stronger influence on the draught forces as compared to the tillage speed. Minimal draught forces can then be achieved through operating at shallow tillage depth and maintaining a frog angle of 30&deg. The results showed a variance of ±15.95% to the calculated values supporting DEM as a numerical method capable of predicting draft forces correctly, tillage power optimization and determination of optimal frog angle for the mouldboard plough.

Highlights

Tillage is a necessary action on soil to prepare favorable conditions for plant growth it is costly and time consuming [1]
EDEM simulation was performed by conducting iterations for each variable of frog angle, cutting depth and speed on the same type of soil
The EDEM simulated total draught force results compared ± 15.95% to those determined through Saunders Equation

Summary

Introduction

Tillage is a necessary action on soil to prepare favorable conditions for plant growth it is costly and time consuming [1]. Primary tillage is considered as the largest power consumer operation [2]. For this reason tillage power optimization is still one of the main research fields [3]. Research has been carried out to optimize performance of soil implements and reduction of tillage power through various methods: How to cite this paper: Hiuhu, A., Gitau, A.N., Mbuge, D.O. and Mulwa, J.N. (2015) Optimization of the Angle of Frog in Mouldboard Tillage Operations in Sandy Clay Soil. Draught force of a mouldboard plough is dependent on the plough geometry, soil properties and operation factors (cutting speed and depth) [5]

Objectives

Results

Conclusion