Stress Simulation on Four-Bar Link-Type Transplanting Device of Semiautomatic Vegetable Transplanter

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the stress exerted on a four-bar link-type transplanting device using two distinct methods: stress measurement performed during a field test and stress simulation. A field test is conducted to measure stress using a strain gauge positioned at 15 specific points on the transplanting device. Subsequently, the measured strain data are converted into calculated stress data. In another method, stress is simulated using specialized multibody dynamic simulation software. The simulation results are compared with the stress measured during field tests to verify the simulation model. Based on the results, the maximum stress derived from the simulation correlates with the measured results, although notable discrepancies are shown, particularly at strain gauge positions 11 and 13. The maximum stress derived from the simulation is used to calculate the static safety factor of the transplanting device. The peak stress derived from the simulation aligns with the measured results, although significant discrepancies are observed at positions corresponding to strain gauges 4 and 10. The maximum stress (150.82 MPa) is observed on the link of the transplanting device, and the static safety factor determined via the simulation is 1.39.

Analyzing Safety Factors and Predicting Fatigue Life of Weak Points in an Electrically Driven, Multi-Purpose Cultivation Tractor

“…When comparing fatigue life predictions considering annual hours of use, the lowest predicted value was 124,176 years. Although the prediction is considered too large, it seems to be a reasonable prediction based on the results of previous studies [40,41]. With a service life of 5 years, the cultivation tractor can be safely used for the duration of the service life.…”