Parameters for Modeling Passive Suspensions of Spray Bars

Abstract

The uniformity and quality of spraying depend on the stability of the spray boom, defined as the suspension system between the boom and the machine chassis. This paper presents a procedure for improving the performance of passive spray bar suspensions through parameter adjustment. Two multibody dynamics models of a tractor sprayer set were developed to evaluate their suspension systems: a rigid body dynamics model (RBDM) and a finite element model (FEM) using deformable bodies. To calibrate the models in the experiment, an accelerating force was applied to the suspension, and the displacements of the shock absorber and the rubber springs were monitored. The FEM is more suitable for the evaluation of the horizontal oscillations of the bar, based on root mean square (RMS) values and a standard curve used to evaluate the stability of the bar. The horizontal stiffness of the bar significantly influences the oscillatory displacement and must be included in the simulation models. Resizing the structure can reduce the horizontal oscillations of the bar.

The use of a Mamdani-type fuzzy model for assessing the performance of a boom stabilization systems in a field sprayer

“…This operation should involve technically sound machinery to ensure that the applied chemicals are uniformly distributed over the field 32 , 33 . According to Reynaldo et al 34 and Kappaun et al 35 , effective delivery of crop chemicals is influenced not only by the type of field sprayer, but also by the structure and position of the sprayer boom, as well as the manner in which the boom is attached to the sprayer frame. During field operations, the displacement of all boom segments relative to the field should be minimal (the boom should be positioned at a height of around 0.5 m), and displacement in the horizontal plane should also be controlled.…”

“…These measurements can be conducted in laboratory track simulators or in the field. Changes in boom position are registered by cameras or sensors 35 , 38 – 42 . A relatively simple method for monitoring boom displacement from a neutral position was proposed by Kaliniewicz et al 43 .…”