Field Investigation of the Static Friction Characteristics of High-Yielding Rice during Harvest

Abstract

Background: Following the popularization of high-yielding rice in China, fast and efficient mechanized harvesting proved challenging. In addition, the physical characteristics of rice grains and stems are substantially affected during harvest by the field environment and harvest time. However, the combine harvester driver is focused on maximizing the outputs and does not consider the adverse effects of these factors during the rice harvest. Methods: We investigated the effects of the harvest time, spatial position, and temperature on the static friction coefficient of rice grains and stems of high-yielding rice using a field experiment. Results: The result difference in the static friction coefficient between the parallel and perpendicular placements of the rice stem on the steel plate was 9%, indicating that the contact configuration had a significant impact. The region, harvest time, and temperature significantly affected the static friction characteristics of the rice grains and stems. The most significant differences were observed in the X-direction. Conclusions: The optimum harvest time was 10:11 a.m.–3:30 p.m. and the optimum temperature was above 16.5 °C. A quantitative analysis of the effects of the harvest time and temperature on the static friction characteristics of rice provides reliable data for machine design optimization and standardization of harvests operations.

Analysis of the Interaction Mechanism between Preharvest Threshing Device and Rice at Harvesting Period Based on DEM Simulations and Bench Tests

“…To achieve the efficient and low-power sliding-cut of rice earheads by the combs, this study selects the exponential function model for the design of the cutting-edge curve. The cutting-edge curve is shown in Figure 2, and the mathematical formulation of the curve is shown in Equation (1).  …”

“…Rice serves as the predominant source of sustenance for almost half of the global population, and Asia contributes 90% of both global rice production and consumption [1][2][3][4]. China holds the top position in rice production and yield per unit area, with rice accounting for more than 65% of the total food grain consumption [5].…”