Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Agricultural Tillage Process Vibrations using an Interactive Active Control System

Abstract

Tractor operators have to work for long hours to perform different tasks. During tillage, implements are attached to the tractor for soil preparations for crop production. The attached implements also have direct effect on vibrations of tractors. Drivers of tractors are exposed to different frequency vibrations which effect their health badly. In this study, the vibrations transmitted during tillage to seat of operator were measured using accelerometer and root mean square (RMS) accelerations was analysed according to ISO standard. Tests were carried out with different type of implements (Cultivator and Disc Harrow) and at different forward speeds of tractor. The dynamic model of tractor and tillage implements was created in MATLAB-Simulink software. An active seat suspension was designed with PID and Fuzzy Logic Controllers and was analysed for improvement in ride comfort level of driver. The results reveal that designed controllers reduce the RMS accelerations at operator’s seat base by 69% as compared to passive seat.