An Effect of Operating Depth on the Optimal Lugged Wheel Design for Two- Wheeled Tractors in Paddy Fields

Optimal Lugged Wheel Design

Abstract

The performance of agricultural machinery, particularly two-wheeled tractors in paddy fields, is highly influenced by soil conditions. This study focuses on determining the optimal design parameters of lugged wheels to enhance traction and efficiency in paddy field operations. The analysis was conducted at three soil operating depths (5 cm, 10 cm, and 15 cm) to evaluate the performance of lugged wheels. Key design parameters, including wheel diameter, number of lugs, lug width, lug length, and lug angle, were optimized based on vertical force (Fv), horizontal force (Fh), and torque measurements. The results revealed that the optimal wheel design for 5 cm and 10 cm depths was similar, featuring a 77 cm diameter, eight lugs, a 7 cm lug width, a 28 cm lug length, and a 20° lug angle. However, performance metrics varied, with Fv, Fh, and torque values of 138.97 kg, 152.04 kg, and 508.87 Nm at 5 cm, compared to 155.51 kg, 170.83 kg, and 571.82 Nm at 10 cm. For a 15 cm depth, the optimal design required nine lugs, with performance values of 291.56 kg, 350.12 kg, and 1175.14 Nm for Fv, Fh, and torque, respectively. These findings provide critical insights into optimizing lugged wheel designs for improved traction and efficiency in paddy fields. The study highlights the importance of considering soil depth when designing wheels for agricultural machinery, offering a practical framework for enhancing the performance of two-wheeled tractors in challenging field conditions.