Modeling of crop stem deflection in the context of combine harvester reel design and operation

Abstract

A model of crop stem deflection by the combine harvester reel is formulated.  The equations derived thereof are evaluated on the basis of empirical data that were acquired through deflection of crop stems in a ready-for-harvest Japonica rice in the field.  The empirical data are found to be in agreement with the theoretically derived equations. Applications of crop stem deflection to reel design and operation are discussed.  The derived crop stem deflection model should be applicable in other situations in which it becomes necessary to study the deflection of crop stems, particularly in the domain of agricultural machinery engineering.

Keywords: combine harvester header, tined reel, crop stem deflection, rice crop, mathematical modeling, model validation, model application