Analysis and testing of powered tillage blades.

ABSTRACT FUNDAMENTAL design considerations for powered rotary tillage blades are presented and discussed. The relationship between blade angular velocity and the geometric dimensions of cutting edges is specified for tillage blades rotating counter to the direction of travel and assuming a typical forward speed for tillage. Analyses showed that a powered blade rotated op-posite to the direction of travel can be operated at relatively lower angular velocities than can one rotated in the direction of travel to achieve equivalent blade velocity and acceleration relative to the soil. Furthermore, a blade rotated opposite to the direction of travel requires relatively lower power to achieve equivalent blade velocities relative to the soil. Experiments revealed that, in order to minimize power requirements, the ratio of the tangential velocity of cutting edges on a blade divided by the ground speed should be as low as possible as long as a proper tillage action is obtained.