Degree Type
Thesis
Date of Award
2020
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
Major
Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
First Advisor
Matthew Darr
Abstract
Boom height control is important for field performance when applying chemicals or fertilizer. Booms can be controlled through passive or active control. Active control requires software and components to control the tilt cylinders of the boom. Hydraulic components have a key role in this, but can also be the limiting factor in reducing off-target spray application. The sensitivity of the core hydraulic components for boom height control were evaluated using a virtual machine model of an agricultural sprayer. Significant improvements were identified by changing factors of the hydraulic control system. From the sensitivity analysis, 78 single factor configurations were tested. The field profiles represented light, mild, and severe terrain conditions a sprayer may encounter in the field. Factors such as lag times, tilt cylinder velocities, and tilt cylinder time constants all proved to have statistical significance in positive trends of system performance. Future research on the component analysis of self-propelled sprayers could be testing different control gains or physical testing with different valves, pumps, and cylinders.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.31274/etd-20200624-173
Copyright Owner
Jacob Rewerts
Copyright Date
2020-05
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
File Size
60 pages
Recommended Citation
Rewerts, Jacob, "Component analysis of fluid power hydraulics for self-propelled sprayer boom control" (2020). Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 17994.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/17994
