Investigation of properties of the constant technological track, which is used in bridge agriculture

Abstract

Goal. To determine the physical-and-mechanical properties of soil traces of a constant technological track and their influence on the adhesion and traction of the bridge agricultural vehicle of a new design. Methods. Theoretical research was conducted using the basic provisions of the tractor theory. Experimental studies were conducted in the soil channel according to generally accepted and developed methods using modern laboratory control and measuring equipment. The results of the experimental study were processed by statistical methods on a PC using the basic provisions of correlation analysis. Results. For the bridge agricultural tool of a new design, which was used as an object of experimental research, with repeated passes of its running wheels, it was found that the traces of a constant technological track have density and hardness in the upper soil layer (0-5 cm), which significantly depend on its humidity. Thus, a high non-linear correlation is established between the hardness and density of the soil trace of the constant technological track, which is approximated by a quadratic dependence. This makes it possible at its practical use to predict the value of the density of traces of a constant technological track based on the results of hardness measurements and vice versa, which will ensure the effective use of the bridge agricultural tool. Besides, to ensure maximum traction and traction of the running wheels of the bridge agricultural vehicle during its movement on the soil track of the constant technological track, it is established that increasing the hardness of the latter requires increasing the air pressure in its tires and vice versa. Conclusions. Study of the properties of soil traces of a permanent technological track shows that with increasing humidity of the soil trace of the track from 10 to 45%, the density in it, i.e. in its layer, which is equal to 0-5 cm, decreases from 1.60 to 1.30 g•cm-3, hardness-from 4.5 to 2.8 MPa. It was also found that with increasing the hardness of the traces of the constant technological track from 1.0 to 3.5 MPa, the air pressure in the tires of the wheels of the bridge agricultural vehicle should be increased from 60 to 650 kPa, i.e. 10 times. For tire brands used in this bridge tool, the pressure should be 160 kPa. Therefore, the effective operation of this bridge agricultural tool with the maximum pressure in the tires of its running wheels is possible only with the hardness of the traces of the constant technological track 2.25 MPa and above.