Optimization of the Wing Parameters for a Winged Subsoiler

ABSTRACT. The wing parameters of a subsoiler, such as the location and angle of the wings, have an important impact on the operating performance of the winged subsoilers. To study the comprehensive effect of wing parameters and to determine the optimal parameters of a winged subsoiler, a field experiment was conducted. The experimental factors were the mounting height (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mm), sweep angle(5°, 15°, 25°, 35°, and 45°) and mounting angle(5°, 15°, 25°, 35°, and 45°). The draft force of the subsoiler and the disturbed soil area were measured; these two variables defined the Specific Draft Force (SDF). The SDF was used as the response index to evaluate the performance of the winged subsoiler. The mathematical model of regression between experimental factors and SDF was established. The results showed that the normal probability distribution of the predicted and measured values of SDF tended to be linear, indicating that the credibility of the results of the analysis was higher. The mounting height, mounting angle, and sweep angle had interactive effects on SDF. The order of significance was mounting height, mounting angle, and sweep angle. The experimental parameters were optimized by Design-Expert 8.0 software: 124 mm for the mounting height, 45° for the mounting angle, and 45° for the sweep angle. This optimal combination of parameters resulted in a SDF of 69.9 kN/m2. The winged subsoiler designed using the optimization results showed that the average value of SDF was 78.73 kN/m2: significantly lower than SDF (79.34-95.33 kN/m2) before optimization. Keywords: Mounting angle, Mounting height, Optimization, Parameter, Specific Draft Force (SDF), Subsoiler, Sweep angle, Wing.