Author(s) :

Mohammed, U. S., M. L. Suleiman, O. J Mudiare, M. ISIAKA.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Sorghum stalk cutting performance in terms of cutting energy requirement and cutting efficiency has been investigated using a laboratory pendulum-like oscillating impact test rig. The stalk was fixed in a stalk holder to simulate a free-standing stalk in the field. A blade was attached to the lower end of the oscillating arm which cut the stalk at 90o cut angle. Knives of various weights ranging from 1.00 to 4.85 kg were tested in cutting the stalk base at 20 and 120 cm. Cutting energy showed negative linear correlation with knife weight while cutting efficiency showed positive correlation with the parameter. There was decrease of 2.36 and 9.91 Nm cutting energy requirement and increase of 20.65 and 40.07% cutting efficiency for every 1 kg increase in knife weight at 20 and 120 cm cutting height respectively, from the ground level. The optimum values of knife weights were 3.42 and 1.85 kg for cutting at 20 and 120 cm respectively, corresponding to cutting energy of 20.50 and 36.50 Nm and efficiency of 98 and 96 %.

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