TRACTOR MOUNTED MULCHER BLADE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS USING FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

Abstract

The maximum stress and deformation due to impact in the mulcher blade during field operation is the major concerns in the design considerations. The blade works under varied forces due to power, vibration, and torque, impact effect of soil parts (stones and stumps). To determine the impact-induced maximum stress and deformation, Solid Works software was used for both design of four 3D Model blades and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). FEA was carried out to investigate the failure of the four designed blades under worst case scenario, and tested at same conditions. Simulations were run at six treatment levels on blades with 0°, 60°, 120° and 150° lifting angles. Results were compared against the average measured stress and deformation. From the simulation effects, maximum stress and deformation on the blade with 120° lifting angle were 18.95 MPa and 0.0041 mm respectively. All stress and deformation values were within the acceptable limit for the design intent and material specifications of the mulcher blade. Maximum stress on the blade with 150° lifting angle were 74.29 MPa and 0.0175376 mm accordingly. The stress distributions were above the yield stress (62.04 MPa) of the specified blade material, the blade was the worst in terms of failure due to fatigue.