Design of a specialized tractor to replace draft animals in small farms

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-21
Author(s):  
Guillermo F. Diaz Lankenau ◽  
V. Amos G. Winter
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Unit Mass ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
User Needs ◽  
Small Farms ◽  
Physical Effort ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Drawbar Pull ◽  
Design And Testing

Abstract This paper describes the motivation, design, and testing of a specialized farm tractor designed to replace draft animals in small farms, particularly in rural India. The proposed tractor matches the low capital cost of draft animals and has their unique ability to operate between growing crops in narrow inter-row spaces while retaining the major advantages of conventional tractors, such as low maintenance cost and reduced operator physical effort. The proposed tractor was conceived based on user needs and our implementation of a detailed terramechanics model. This tractor has a higher drawbar pull per unit mass compared to conventional tractors – a high drawbar force is needed to match the peak pull of animals, and a low mass is necessary to reduce material and vehicle costs. This quality is achieved by applying nearly the full vehicle's weight on the drive wheels, placing drive wheels in line, and locating the tillage tool between both axles. A proof-of-physics prototype of the design was instrumented to measure drawbar pull and tire slip to validate the terramechanics model and quantify traction performance. It was capable of pulling with more drawbar force per unit mass than conventional tractors and its performance can be accurately predicted by the model. During field tests on a working farm, the vehicle successfully operated in the narrow spaces between growing crops that would typically not be accessible to a low-cost, conventional small tractor. Initial farmer feedback on the design confirmed its high potential for performing farming operations.

Comparison and verification of four field-based microbiological tests: H2S test, Easygel®, Colilert®, Petrifilm™

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patty Chuang ◽  
Stephanie Trottier ◽  
Susan Murcott
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Standard Method ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Single Test ◽  
Total Water ◽  
Microbiological Test ◽  
Technical Capacity ◽  
Larger Sample

The UN defines water supplies as ‘improved’ or ‘unimproved.’ These indicators are easy to measure, but do not reflect water quality, which requires laboratory or field tests. Laboratory and test availability, expense and technical capacity are obstacles for developing countries. This research compares and verifies four low-cost, field-based microbiological tests: the EC-Kit (Colilert® and Petrifilm™ tests), the H2S bacteria test, and Easygel®, against a standard method (Quanti-Tray®). The objectives are to: (1) verify the accuracy of the four field-based tests, (2) study the accuracy of these tests as a function of improved and unimproved sources; (3) recommend a single microbiological test, if appropriate, based on accuracy and cost, and/or (4) recommend a testing combination, if appropriate, based on accuracy and cost. The tests of 500+ total water samples from Capiz Province, Philippines and Cambridge, MA indicate that two-tests systems gave better results than a single test. Both the 100-mL H2S test + Petrifilm™ and the 20-mL H2S test + Easygel® combinations yield promising results, in addition to being inexpensive. None of the field-based tests should be used on their own. We recommend further verification of a larger sample size and scale be undertaken before these testing combinations are recommended for wider use.

Effects of Aluminum Doping on The Phase Stability and Electrochemical Properties of LiCoO2 and LiMnO2

1997 ◽  
Vol 496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y.-I. Jang ◽  
B. Huang ◽  
H. Wang ◽  
Y.-M. Chiang ◽  
D. R. Sadoway
Keyword(s):  
Single Phase ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Reversible Capacity ◽  
Open Circuit ◽  
Teller Distortion ◽  
Al Content ◽  
Jahn Teller ◽  
Li Battery ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Jahn Teller Distortion

ABSTRACTAluminum is of interest as a constituent for Li battery electrodes due to its low cost and low mass, and because ab initio calculations indicate that solid solution of LiAlO2 with LiMO2 (M = transition metal) in the α-NaFeO2 structure can increase intercalation voltage [1]. In this study, we investigated the effect of Al doping on LiCoO2 and LiMnO2. Single phase LiAlyCo1-yO2 has been synthesized up to y = 0.5 by firing homogenous hydroxide precursors. A systematic increase in the open circuit voltage is observed with Al content. In LiAlyMn1-yO2, the addition of LiAlO2 stabilizes LiMnO2 in the α-NaFeO2 structure under conditions where neither endmember is stable in the structure. High reversible capacity was obtained over both a 4 V and 3 V plateau, indicating that the compound transforms to a spinel-related structure during cycling, but that the cooperative Jahn-Teller distortion is suppressed.

scholarly journals Traction performance simulation for mechanical front wheel drive tractors: towards a practical computer tool

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Battiato ◽  
E. Diserens ◽  
L. Sartori
Keyword(s):  
Field Tests ◽  
Front Wheel ◽  
Arable Soils ◽  
Wheel Load ◽  
Computer Tool ◽  
Performance Simulation ◽  
Wheel Drive ◽  
Silty Loam ◽  
Pulling Force ◽  
Drawbar Pull

An analytical model to simulate the traction performance of mechanical front wheel drive MFWD tractors was developed at the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon ART. The model was validated via several field tests in which the relationship between drawbar pull and slip was measured for four MFWD tractors of power ranging between 40 and 123 kW on four arable soils of different texture (clay, clay loam, silty loam, and loamy sand). The pulling tests were carried out in steady-state controlling the pulling force along numerous corridors. Different configurations of tractors were considered by changing the wheel load and the tyre pressure. Simulations of traction performance matched experimental results with good agreement (mean error of 8% with maximum and minimum values of 17% and 1% respectively). The model was used as framework for developing a new module for the excel application TASCV3.0.xlsm, a practical computer tool which compares different tractor configurations, soil textures and conditions, in order to determine variants which make for better traction performance, this resulting in saving fuel and time, i.e. reducing the costs of tillage management.

scholarly journals Effect of T6 Heat Treatment Parameters on Technological Quality of the AlSi7Mg Alloy

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 95-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Pezda ◽  
A. Jarco
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Heat Treatment ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Dispersion Hardening ◽  
Recycling Potential ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Technological Quality ◽  
New Applications ◽  
Casting Design

Abstract Very well-known advantages of aluminum alloys, such as low mass, good mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, machining-ability, high recycling potential and low cost are considered as a driving force for their development, i.e. implementation in new applications as early as in stage of structural design, as well as in development of new technological solutions. Mechanical and technological properties of the castings made from the 3xx.x group of alloys depend mainly on correctly performed processes of melting and casting, design of a mould and cast element, and a possible heat treatment. The subject-matter of this paper is elaboration of a diagrams and dependencies between parameters of dispersion hardening (temperatures and times of solutioning and ageing treatments) and mechanical properties obtained after heat treatment of the 356.0 (EN AC AlSi7Mg) alloy, enabling full control of dispersion hardening process to programming and obtaining a certain technological quality of the alloy in terms of its mechanical properties after performed heat treatments. Obtained results of the investigations have enabled obtainment of a dependencies depicting effect of parameters of the solutioning and ageing treatments on the mechanical properties (Rm, A5 and KC impact strength) of the investigated alloy. Spatial diagrams elaborated on the basis of these dependencies enable us to determine tendencies of changes of the mechanical properties of the 356.0 alloy in complete analyzed range of temperature and duration of the solutioning and ageing operations.

scholarly journals Simple Analytical Techniques to Determine the Disperant Capacity and Metal Deactivator Additive Concentration of JP-8+100 and Other Jet Fuels

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert E. Kauffman
Keyword(s):  
Field Tests ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Jet Fuels ◽  
Additive Concentration ◽  
Additive Package ◽  
Us Air Force ◽  
The Us ◽  
Metal Deactivator ◽  
Thermal Stability Of

The US Air Force is developing an additive package to improve the thermal stability of JP-8 fuels by 100°F. Consequently, JP-8 fuels containing the developed additive package are referred to as JP-8+100 fuels. Field tests of the JP-8+100 fuels have shown that the additive package greatly reduces maintenance cost and labor in comparison to JP-8 fuels by minimizing fuel system malfunctions caused by fuel deposition, e.g., fuel control changeouts, combustor damage, etc. The developed additive package contains three components: antioxidant, dispersant/detergent, and metal deactivator. This paper presents simple analytical techniques that can be performed on-site or in the laboratory to determine the dispersant capacity and metal deactivator additive concentrations of JP-8+100 fuels. Since several dispersant/detergent candidates are being evaluated for use in the JP-8+100 additive package, the analytical techniques were developed to measure the dispersant capacity of the additive package instead of the concentration of one particular dispersant/detergent. The dispersant capacity test measures the ability of a fuel sample to suspend a metal oxide powder/water/isopropanol mixture. The dispersant capacity test can be used to identify jet fuels which contain the JP-8+100 additive package and to rate the dispersant capacity of a JP-8+100 fuel. In contrast to the dispersant capacity test, the metal deactivator additive (MDA) tests were designed to determine the concentration of N,N′-disalicylidene-1,2-propanediamine which is the primary MDA used in jet fuels. The MDA tests use fuel soluble compounds or aqueous extraction to chemically react MDA to form colored species. The color of the MDA compound is measured visually for qualitative determinations or spectrometrically for quantitative determinations. Combination of the different MDA tests allows MDA to be detected down to 0.1 ppm regardless of fuel color, age, or type.

scholarly journals Technical Note: Evaluation of a low-cost evaporation protection method for portable water samplers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jana von Freyberg ◽  
Julia L. A. Knapp ◽  
Andrea Rücker ◽  
Bjørn Studer ◽  
James W. Kirchner
Keyword(s):  
Water Samples ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Isotopic Fractionation ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Isotopic Signature ◽  
Technical Note ◽  
Stable Water Isotopes ◽  
Sample Collection ◽  
Protection Method ◽  
Cost Efficient

Abstract. Automated field sampling of streamwater or precipitation for subsequent analysis of stable water isotopes (2H and 18O) is often conducted with off-the-shelf automated samplers. However, water samples stored in the field for days and weeks in open bottles inside autosamplers undergo isotopic fractionation and vapor mixing, thus altering their isotopic signature. We therefore designed an evaporation protection method which modifies autosampler bottles using a syringe housing and silicone tube, and tested whether this method reduces evaporative fractionation and vapor mixing in water samples stored for up to 24 days in ISCO autosamplers (Teledyne ISCO., Lincoln, US). Laboratory and field tests under different temperature and humidity conditions showed that water samples in bottles with evaporation protection were far less altered by evaporative fractionation and vapor mixing than samples in conventional open bottles. Our design is a cost-efficient approach to upgrade the 1-litre sample bottles of ISCO 6712 Full-size Portable Samplers, allowing secure water sample collection in warm and dry environments. Our design can be readily adapted (e.g., by using a different syringe size) to fit the bottles used by many other field autosamplers.

Marker-guided auto-landing on a moving platform

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iryna Borshchova ◽  
Siu O’Young
Keyword(s):  
Image Processing ◽  
Visual Servoing ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Processing Algorithm ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Image Processing Algorithm ◽  
Suggested Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Moving Platform

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for a vision-based automatic landing of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on a moving platform. The landing system must be highly accurate and meet the size, weigh, and power restrictions of a small UAV. Design/methodology/approach The vision-based landing system consists of a pattern of red markers placed on a moving target, an image processing algorithm for pattern detection, and a servo-control for tracking. The suggested approach uses a color-based object detection and image-based visual servoing. Findings The developed prototype system has demonstrated the capability of landing within 25 cm of the desired point of touchdown. This auto-landing system is small (100×100 mm), light-weight (100 g), and consumes little power (under 2 W). Originality/value The novelty and the main contribution of the suggested approach are a creative combination of work in two fields: image processing and controls as applied to the UAV landing. The developed image processing algorithm has low complexity as compared to other known methods, which allows its implementation on general-purpose low-cost hardware. The theoretical design has been verified systematically via simulations and then outdoors field tests.

scholarly journals Development and Performance Testing of Solar Operated Insecticide and Pesticide Agro Spraying System

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 573-578
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Labour Productivity ◽  
Operating Time ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Maintenance Cost ◽  
Pump Efficiency ◽  
Agricultural Field ◽  
Low Efficiency ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Solar Powered

This paper represents the development and performance analysis of Solar operated Spraying system. Generally in the agricultural field, traditional conventional techniques like hand operated and fuel operated sprayer system for spraying pesticides have been used which is not eco-friendly, less labour productivity and low efficiency. These tools uses diesel as fuels which is harmful for the environment and also do increases the operating and maintenance cost. This motivates us to design and fabricate real-time product which is operated by solar energy. The main objective of this research is to design and fabricate the solar powered agricultural pesticide sprayer by considering parameters like desired spraying capacity, low weight, low cost, user-friendly nature, high operating time and for faster coverage of area. Mathematical models were developed after adopting suitable assumptions for calculation of power of the motor and sizing of battery, charge controller, solar panel required for spraying a known quantity of fluid. The parts required for the system had been selected by solving for known inputs values and considering their availability in the market. The maximum discharge at outlet of DC Pump, efficiency of pump had been calculated by taking different discharge at outlet of the pump. Further by using 12 Volt Led light, it can be operated in night mode and also is to reduce back pain of human being by keeping the tank in backside.

Autonomous Light Assessment Drone for Dark Skies Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew N. Goodell ◽  
Takara E. Truong ◽  
Stephanie R. Marston ◽  
Brett J. Smiley ◽  
Elliot R. Befus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Local Scale ◽  
Light Pollution ◽  
Artificial Light ◽  
Remote Site ◽  
Improper Use ◽  
Initial Results

Abstract The improper use of artificial light causing skyglow is detrimental to many types of wildlife and can potentially cause irregular human sleeping patterns. Studies have been performed to analyze light pollution on a global scale. However, light pollution data on a local scale is not of ten available and the effects at local scale have rarely been studied. Herein, a new custom-designed autonomous light assessment drone (ALAD) is described for evaluating light pollution at local scale. The ALAD is designed and equipped with a sky quality meter (SQM) to measure skyglow and a low-cost illuminance sensor to measure light from artificial sources. Outdoor field tests are performed at a remote site in central Utah and the measured results are validated against data from lightpollution-map.info. The SQM measurements are in agreement with the estimates from the light pollution map, and the initial results demonstrate feasibility of the ALAD for local-scale skyglow assessment.

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