B. Yue, H. Shen, P. Gao, R. Zhu, X. Wang, Y. Huang, Z. Fu, Z. Zheng
Elsevier
Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
Optimisation of wing installation parameters of a subsoiler is essential for disrupting hardpans, avoiding excessive disturbance of top soil and improving soil loosening efficiency in conservation tillage. In this study, three key wing installation parameters (the upward angle φ, the mounting height h and the mounting angle β) were optimised using the discrete element method (DEM). Two objectives (soil loosening efficiency η and soil disturbance area ratio κ) were selected for the optimisation. The results showed that the φ affected the η the most, followed by the h, and the β. The significance for the influence of wing parameters on the κ followed the order: the h, the φ, and the β; the effect of φ and h interaction on κ was also significant. To maximise both the κ and the η, h and φ should be appropriately reduced and β should be increased appropriately. The optimal values concerning the η and κ maximization are −6.6°, 34.2° and 87.5 mm, respectively, for the φ, the β, and the h. The overall working performance of the subsoiler with optimal wing parameters was the best as indicated by greater η and κ. The model was able to predict soil disturbance characteristics resulting from the subsoiler with relative errors under 15%. The findings in the present study can have implications for optimising the winged subsoiler on aspects of water conservation and soil loosening efficiency.
Mounting angle, Mounting height, Response surface method (RSM), Upward angle, Winged subsoiler