Design, Analysis and Fabrication of High Clearance Self- Propelled Foliar Applicator

Abstract

In this paper Finite element method (FEM) for design and development of self- propelled foliar applicator is presented. Foliar application is a method for feeding nutrients directly to plants for enhancing nutrient use efficiency through foliar applicator. The major components of the foliar applicator were engine (3.5 kW), gearbox (4F+1R), chassis (1.2 x 0.96 m2), sub-frame assembly, spraying diaphragm pump (Model-SFWP1-055-070-31, capacity 20 lm-1 at 4.4 bar), fertilizer storage tank (225 l). The main objective of this FEM simulation analysis is to find out the stress, deformation and strain induced in chassis and sub-frame assembly of foliar applicator for given boundary condition.  A Computer Aided Design of foliar applicator was developed using Creo-parametric 1 software and then analyzed in FEM mode by using Creo simulation1 software. FEM static analysis resulted in maximum von mises stress 200.750MPa and182.638MPa, maximum deformation 2.81 mm and 1.29 mm and max strain 0.001047 and 0.000636 for chassis and sub-frame assembly respectively. Maximum stresses in both didn’t exceed the respective yield points which signified designs, can be used for fabrication.