Turbulent Flow Characteristics of the Cleaning Wind in Combine Harvester

Abstract The flight of separated straws is thought to affect the cleaning wind of a combine harvester. To comprehend the turbulent flow characteristics of the cleaning wind and its passage through the grains, the cleaning wind velocity is measured by particle image velocimetry and laser Doppler velocimetry. The flow of the cleaning wind is blocked by the grains, and therefore the distribution of wind velocity changes. It is found that the energy loss of the cleaning wind is not a result of turbulent flow. The wall friction and the pressure change observed as a result of the shape and the friction loss in the grains are the main considerations while calculating the energy loss of the cleaning wind in combine harvester.