A Theoretical Method for Efficient Design of Power Tiller Rotavator Satisfying Multiple Objectives

Abstract

Several advantages of rotavator including negative draft generation make it the most suitable attachment to power tiller. Many factors affect the economy and performance of power tiller which includes specific energy consumption, resourceful use of available power, produced soil conditions and blade durability. Hence a systematic design method was developed for power tiller rotavator while considering all these factors simultaneously. Specific work done by rotavator was equalized with performable work of power tiller for different combination of design and kinematics parameter. The value of design and kinematic parameters included in the previous step were limited by the extremities. These limitations were imposed so as to get desired soil conditions and blade durability. The best combination of parameters that produces the desired soil condition with minimum specific energy consumption while utilizing the available power resourcefully was selected. Other design parameters were calculated using parameters from the selected combination. Rotavator design and kinematic parameters satisfying the above objectives were calculated and found to be velocity ratio of 5.12, forward velocity of 0.41 m/s, rpm of 80.19, operating width of 7.5dm and 30 number of blades mounted in 5 number of flanges. This method of optimisation can be adopted for improved power tiller rotavator design and efficient operation. But as this method is purely theoretical; practical verification of the design is essential before adopting for large scale industrial production.