Multi-objective optimization of peak cutting force and cutting energy consumption in cutting of Caragana korshinskii branches

Abstract

Caragana korshinskii (C.K.) flat stubble residue is an abundant biomass energy source in China. Because branch cutting is closely related to the harvesting of forest biomass, it is practical for forestry production and ecological development to investigate the effects of cutting parameters on the peak cutting force and cutting energy consumption of C.K. branches. In this study, the effect of cutting parameters on the peak cutting force and cutting power consumption of branches was investigated by single-factor and multi-factor tests using an independently developed reciprocating cutting test bench, and an optimization model was established. The interaction term of average cutting speed and tool cutting edge inclination angle significantly affected the peak cutting force, while the interaction term of cutting clearance and wedge angle had a significant effect on the cutting energy consumption. The optimal combination of cutting parameters was an average cutting speed of 0.5 m/s, cutting clearance of 1.4 mm, wedge angle of 25°, and tool cutting edge inclination angle of 20°. With this combination of parameters, the corresponding peak cutting force was 644.38 N, and the cutting energy consumption was 5.90 J, which was less than 5% relative error between each performance index and the theoretical optimized value.