Application of dimensional analysis in determination of traction force acting on a narrowblade

ABSTRACT: In agricultural operations, tillage consumes a large amount of energy in compare to the other agricultural operations; therefore estimation of traction and power consumptionis very important in agriculture. In the present study, a new mathematical model has been obtained based on the dimensional analysis in order to estimate the traction forces of the tillage tools. In this model, the effective factors of forces acting on a blade are considered as a function of tools design parameters, engineering properties of soil and the operational conditions. In this research ten variables have been considered in the Backingham method and three parameters of speed, specific weight and working width have been considered as repeating variables. Finally the obtained model was compared with experimental data of other researchers and modified model of Mackyes. Estimation of the proposed model obtained in this research shows a good agreement with the experimental data used in this study.