Optimization Design and Experiments on Sugarcane Leaf Shattering and Returning Machine

In order to improve the shattering quality and reduce the operational cost, experiments and analysis on the main factors which affect the sugarcane leaf shattering and returning machine's shattering quality were conducted. The test results showed that pick-up performance of the machine was mostly influenced by the space between turning cutters and soil, followed by the linear speed of the turning cutters and the tractor travel speed; while shattering performance of the machine was mostly influenced by the linear speed of the turning cutters, followed by the space between turning cutters and soil, the spacing between fixed cutters, and the tractor travel speed. Based on this, its structure was determined and the optimally combined parameters included: the turning cutters are arranged in bi-helical and symmetric way; each group of the turning cutters are composed of two straight cutters and one improved L-cutter; the turning cutter's linear speed is 48 m/s; the space between turning cutters and soil is 10 cm to 20 cm; the spacing between fixed cutters is 60 cm; the tractor travel speed is 1.0 m/s. Comparing with the original prototype, the improved machine has increased 0.8% in pick-up rate and 7.1% in smashing rate. This study provided theoretical basis and reference in designing an effective and reliable machine to shatter and return the sugarcane leaf into soil.