A Finite-element Method of Solution for Optimization of Frame of Tractor Operated Single Row Maize Cobs Picker

Abstract

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computational technique that divides complex structures into small elements and solves them numerically using various partial differential equations. In agriculture, engineers can use numerical simulation based on the FEA technique to study the behaviour of various input products in order to optimise the design of any machine without developing a prototype. The present study focused to design and simulates the frame of tractor operated single row maize cobs picker by employing the FEA technique. A 3D-CAD model of the frame of a tractor-operated single row maize cobs picker was created using the Solid Works software, and a static structural test was performed using the FEA technique in the ANSYS version 15.0 workbench software. A special fixture has been developed to calculate the force required to scrape the pulpy material of the leaves in the Universal Testing Machine. According to the simulation results, maximum deformation was observed as 0.051mm while maximum shear stress and Von Mises equivalent stress were found to be 0.246 MPaPa and 1. 47 MPa, respectively at 250 N scraping forces. Additionally, it was noted that the stress values fall within the material's yield strength.  The FEA approach was found to be a scientific and highly effective method for designing and simulating the frame of a tractor-operated single row maize cobs picker.