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Agricultural residues are the most abundant biomass and forage resources. Chopping is a precondition for either use, and reducing the shearing force has been considered as one of the most effective way to save energy. A smaller force can also permit more compact mechanical parts of chopping devices. In several cases, power consumption may be large, even when the shearing force is small, if the corresponding cutting velocity is high. Consequently, it is important to minimize both cutting force and power consumption simultaneously. This paper presents a practical approach to solve the multi-objective optimization problem for chopping processes of corn stalks. Applying the Taguchi design of experiments, a plan of 27 chopping tests was conducted. Based on the grey relational grade analysis and analysis of variance technique, optimum levels as well as the percentage contribution of such parameters were identified. Experimental results showed that the multi-response optimization problem in chopping corn stalks can be effectively addressed through the combination of Taguchi design and grey relational analysis. The results can be expanded for practical applications in design and operation of chopping machines for agricultural residues.

This article introduces a study on the optimal calculation of gear ratios of a two-stage helical reducer. In the study, the acreage of the cross section of the reducer was chosen as the objective function of the optimization problem. Also, the design equation for pitting resistance of a gear set was investigated. Furthermore, the equations on moment equilibrium condition of a two-stage helical reducer and their regular resistance condition were analysed. A computer program was performed to determine the optimal partial transmission ratios for getting the minimal acreage of the cross section of the system. From the results of the computer program, two models for determining the optimal gear ratios of a two-stage reducer were proposed. Using these models, the gear ratios can be calculated accurately in a simple way.

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