International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL
CHARACTERISTICS FOR COTTON
AND PIGEON PIE AS AGRICULTURE
RESIDUES
1
1,
Vivek M Sonde, Dr. P. N. Belkhode2, Dr. C. N. Sakhale3
Research Scholar and Assistant professor in Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur
2,
Assistant professor in Laxminarayan Institute of Technology, Nagpur
3,
Associate professor in Priyadarshini College of Engineering, Nagpur
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to study some physical and mechanical properties of the two major components cotton and pigeon pie stalks.
These properties are necessary to apply normal design procedures such as pneumatic conveying, fluidization, drying, and
combustion. The results obtained from determining the mechanical properties of average tensile and compressive strength for
cotton stalks at different moisture content (9.58, 14.22 and 16.00%) was (0.34, 0.35 and 0.23MPa) and (7.24, 5.58 and 5.40
MPa) respectively. The results obtained from determining the mechanical properties of average tensile and compressive
strength for pigeon stalks (pie) at different moisture content (10.10, 15.95 and 17.24%) was (0.54, 0.69 and 0.39MPa) and (8.95,
6.61 and 4.21MPa) respectively. Other than tensile and compressive strength the various test such as shear strength, impact
test, torsion test and bending moment are performed on the cotton and pigeon stalk. The modulus of elasticity and toughness
were evaluated as a function of moisture content. As the moisture content of the stalk regions increased the modulus of
elasticity and toughness decreased indicating a reduction in the brittleness of the stalk regions. Useful conclusions may be the
analysis of the stalk phenomenon refers to the correlation of the main mechanical properties of these residues. All the tests are
performed by taking the average diameter of three portion of stalk i.e. Top, middle and bottom portion of the plant
Keywords: Wood Analysis, Cotton stalks, pigeon stalks, physical properties, Average diameter of stalk, Mechanical
characteristics and moisture content.
I. INTRODUCTION
India is the leading manufacturer of paper and having large area covered by the forest trees from which the wood is
supplied to the paper manufacturing industries. The types of wood from which paper is produce includes soft wood like
- spruce & pine, hard wood like - short fiber, grasses - several types of long grasses like bamboo, sabai grass, sarkanda
etc, the cotton and pigeon plants also used as raw material in paper manufacturing units because it gives more strength
in paper or paper board, In India there is no any concept of producing the chips from the wood before supplying to the
industry. The concept behind the study is to do the research for designing the human powered operated wood chipper
machine that can do the chips of cotton and pigeon stalk and as we know the physical and mechanical properties such
as tensile and compressive strength, shear strength, impact test, torsion test and bending moment of these stalk then it
is easier to design the various machine components based on the result obtained.
India is the agricultural based country where the production of cotton and pigeon takes places in maximum numbers.
Near about 70 % of farmers in the Maharashtra region is taking this production every year.
After extracting the cotton and red gram from the cotton and pigeon crops the farmer will store only 20% of the total
crops for food cooking purpose and leftover is count to be as waste. Leftover dry crops of cotton and pigeon are to be
produced in the form of chip by human powered wood chipper machine and can be supply to the paper manufacturing
industries.
Cutting and conditioning of cotton stalks & pigeon stalks, as only in recent years has cotton stalks, pigeon stalks
production for industrial purposes been permitted in India and some Asian countries. The crop residues stalks and
fiber have great potential for many products such as wood, paper, fuel resource, animal forage, compost and building
materials. These stalks are a tall plant and its stem has a large diameter. A stalk has high percentage of lignin and
consists of a woody core and an outer fibrous tissue. These characteristics may make cutting and conditioning cotton
and pigeon more energy intensive than any other crops.
Important mechanical properties of the agricultural material from the cutting standpoint are strength in tension, shear
and bending, density and friction. These properties are influenced by species, variety and age of the plant, moisture
content and the cellular structure. The values of these factors are the mechanical properties and observed a wide range
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 156
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
of maximum shear strength for cotton stalk is from 6.24 to 24.94 MPA because of its marked dependence on moisture
content with a negative linear correlation between shear strength and moisture content. However, show little
dependence of shear strength on moisture content, based on dry matter cross-sectional area of the stem. The crosssectional area and moisture content of the crop had significant influence on cutting energy and maximum cutting force.
The shearing energy and maximum shearing force were found to be directly proportional to the cross-sectional area and
inversely proportional to the moisture content of the stalk. Maximum shear energy in direct shear tests was observed to
decrease with the rate of loading. Average maximum shear strength decreased from 24.94 to 6.24 MPA when the rate
of loading was increased from 0.9 to 3.63 KN.
Studies of cutting energy requirements have been conducted on soya bean stalks mesquita & Hanna, (1995), cotton
stalks El Hag et al., (1971), maize stalks Prasad & Gupta, (1975), and alfalfa stems Prince et al., (1969) and pyrethrum
flowers Khazaei et al., (2002). These studies showed that cutting energy is related to the stem mechanical properties
(e.g. maximum cutting force and stem shear strength), and physical properties (e.g. stem diameter, dry matter density
and moisture content). Types of cutting knife and blade edge also affect the cutting energy requirement. A serrated
blade edge gives a higher cutting force and requires more cutting energy than a smooth edge Persson, (1987), also
reviewed several studies on the cutting speed and concluded that cutting power is only slightly affected by cutting
speed, although an increase in cutting speed will often increase the power losses caused by material acceleration.
Information on plant properties and the power or energy requirement of equipment has been very valuable for selecting
design and operational parameters of the equipment Persson, (1987). Such information is needed for the design of wood
chipper machine, weeding, shredding and lawn mowing and conditioners, assuring appropriate machine functions and
an efficient use of energy. The specific objectives were to examine the physical and mechanical properties of cotton and
pigeon stalk. Considering the above points, there is a need for information on the variation in the physico-mechanical
properties of cotton and pigeon stalks to improve chopping conditions. This study was focused on determining the
shear, compression, bending test and the tensile and compressive strength of cotton and pigeon stalks according to
various stalk regions at different moisture contents.
II. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF COTTON AND PIGEON PIE STALKS
The results obtained from measuring several samples (100 samples) of each residue such as cotton & pigeon stalks and
showed that the maximum value of stem length cotton & pigeon stalks and were 182 and 250 cm respectively,
meanwhile the minimum value of stem length were 98 and 110 cm for the same residues in sequence. The maximum
values for cotton and pigeon stem diameter were 32 and 40 mm respectively meanwhile the minimum values of stem
diameter were 7.3 and 8.2 mm for the same residues in sequence. The obtained results of average values are tabulated
as shown in table 1.
Table 1. Average values of some physical properties of tested
farm residues
Residue
Property
Cotton stalks
Pigeon pie
Range
Average
Range
Average
Stem
length, cm
182 - 98
147.69
250 110
117.5
Stem
diameter,
mm
32 – 6
18
40 – 5.8
24.11
Mass of
one stalk,
(g)
200 - 35
106.72
300 58.25
179.125
Number of
branches
27 - 6
15.95
24-7
15.5
For the experimentation purpose the Sample Number, Length and diameter and average diameter of each sample was
taken by using a digital vernier caliper is given to the cotton and pigeon stalk
III. THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Determination of mechanical and physical properties
The properties which influence the cutting process are the elastic behavior of the stem in shear, compression and
bending Chattopadhyay & Pandey, (1999).
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 157
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
1.1 Shear
The indices which determine the shearing behavior of the plant material are maximum shear strength σs and specific
cutting energy ESS. The maximum shear strength is expressed by:
σs = Fmax / A
Where, σs are the maximum shear strength in (MPa), Fmax is the maximum shear force in (N) and A is the crosssectional area of stalk at the plane of shear in (mm2).
1.2 Compression
The indices which determine the compression behavior of plant material are the modulus of elasticity in compression
and the compressive energy. The modulus of elasticity in compression, which is given by:
σc = [(Fc / A) / (ΔL / d)]
Where, σc is the modulus of elasticity in compression in (N/mm2). Fc is the compressive force in (N), ΔL is the
transverse deformation due to compressive force in (mm), and d is the diameter of the stalk at the point of compression
in (mm).
1.3 Bending
The indices which determine the bending behavior of plant material are beam failure stress, modulus of elasticity in
bending and bending energy. The beam failure stress σb in (MPa) can be expressed by the following equation:
σb = My / I and M = Fb x L
Where, M is the maximum bending moment at which the stem fails in (Nmm), y is the distance of outermost fibre from
the neutral axis in (mm), I is the second moment of area of the stem cross-section in (mm4), Fb is the maximum
bending force at which the stem fails in (N), and L is the length of lever arm of the bending force in (mm).
IV. MATERIAL AND METHODS
1. Experimental procedure
Three common residues with different moisture content were used: cotton stalks (9.58, 14.22 and 16.00%), and pigeon
pie (10.10, 15.95 and 17.24%). The electrical drying oven was used to dry the samples of residues to calculate the
moisture content.
The universal testing machine was used to measure some mechanical properties (tensile strength and compressive
strength at vertical plane) for cotton stalk, and pigeon pie. The machine as shown in Fig. (1).
Fig.1 Universal Testing Machine
2. Preparation of Sample For Test
a) Mechanical characteristics
• An ascending order is given to the samples along each stalk length, starting from stalk bottom to its top.
• This sample number is given to each sample according to the locations along the stalk length.
• Samples were taken from three different positions: bottom, middle and top portion of each stalk.
• 30 cm sample were cut from each samples to determine Shear strength & tensile strength.
• 2.5 cm sample were taken for determine compressive strength.
• 43 cm sample were taken for determining bending force.
b) Physical characteristics
• The dimensional description of each stalk in all residues implied the measure of samples number, length and
diameter. The average diameter of each sample was determined by using a digital vernier caliper.
The various test conducted on cotton stalk and pigeon pie are:
1. Shear strength.
2. Compressive strength.
3. Tensile strength.
4. Bending movement.
5. Impact test
6. Torsion test
7. Moisture content (M.C)
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 158
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
1. Test for Shear strength.
The indices which determine the shearing behavior of the plant material is maximum stress σs are expressed by the
equation σs = Fmax / A. Chattopdhyay & Pandy (1999). The fabricated fixture was fixed rigidly on the base plate form of
the test machine under the crosshead with the help of two bolts. A chisel measuring heads is placed perpendicular to
the length of stalks specimen as shown in Fig below. Fig. 2 shows the stalk under double shear and fig. 3 shows the
stalk under single shear. The stalk sample was held on the fixture with the help of two U-type clamps at both ends of
the specimen. During the down ward movement of the crosshead, the chisel cut the specimen by shear and passed
through the slots provided in the fixture below the specimen. The force required for shearing the stalk was recorded.
The maximum shear strength was calculated using equation σs = Fmax / A. The shear test was conducted for the length
of the various stalk regions at three positions (bottom, middle and top regions).
Fig. 2 Double & Single Shearing Test
After conducting the shear test as per the procedure mention above on the cotton stalk and pigeon pie for double and
single shear, the result obtained as mention in table below.
Table 2. Shear Strength under Double Shear of Cotton Stalk
Average
Peak
Shear
Position of
Area
Peak load
Diameter
load
strength
sample
(mm2)
(N)
(mm)
(KN)
(N/mm2)
31.25
766.602
4.7
4700
28.52
Bottom
27.22
581.629
4.2
4200
26.18
Portion
25.27
501.280
3.7
3700
22.70
14.99
176.390
2.1
2100
16.98
Middle
12.45
121.677
1.9
1900
16.22
Portion
11.77
108.748
1.6
1600
11.85
8.40
55.390
1.2
1200
8.87
Top
7.56
44.866
1.1
1100
7.94
Portion
6.11
29.306
1.05
1050
5.59
Table 3. Shear Strength under Single Shear of Cotton Stalk
Average
Shear
Position of
Area Peak load Peak
Diameter
strength
2
sample
(mm )
(KN)
load (N)
(mm)
(N/mm2)
30.75
742.267
5.1
5100
29.77
Bottom
27.22
581.629
4.8
4800
28.11
Portion
26.82
564.660
4.2
4200
23.85
14.79
171.714
3.1
3100
17.54
Middle
11.52
104.178
2.2
2200
16.98
Portion
11.20
98.470
1.3
1300
12.85
8.10
51.504
1.2
1200
9.00
Top Portion
7.56
44.866
1.2
1200
8.74
5.98
28.072
1.1
1100
7.77
Table 4. Shear Strength under Double Shear of Pigeon Pie
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 159
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Average
Position of
Diameter
sample
(mm)
30.15
Bottom
28.22
Portion
25.12
15.23
Middle
12.1
Portion
11.2
8.54
Top Portion
7.22
6.78
Area
(mm2)
713.5827
625.1492
495.3463
182.083
114.9319
98.4704
57.25131
40.92079
36.08519
ISSN 2319 - 4847
Shear
Peak load Peak
strength
(KN) load (N)
(N/mm2)
4.7
4700
29.65
4.4
4400
26.88
3.9
3900
22.71
2.3
2300
17.26
1.9
1900
16.53
1.7
1700
12.63
1.3
1300
7.87
1.1
1100
7.04
1.07
1070
6.59
Table 5. Shear Strength under Single Shear of Pigeon Pie
Average
Shear
Position of
Area
Peak load Peak
Diameter
strength
sample
(mm2)
(KN) load (N)
(mm)
(N/mm2)
27.22
581.6288
3.63
5900
24.94
Bottom
27.02
573.1131
3.6
5800
23.46
Portion
26.92
568.8788
3.59
5800
19.91
14.23
158.9569
1.9
3100
12.89
Middle
13.89
151.4517
1.85
3020
12.22
Portion
13.15
135.7442
1.75
2860
11.95
8.54
57.25131
1.14
1860
6.31
Top
7.22
40.92079
0.96
1570
6.28
Portion
6.78
36.08519
0.9
1470
6.24
2. Test for Compression strength.
The indices which determine the compression behavior of plant material are the modulus of elasticity in compression.
The modulus of elasticity in compression was calculated by the following equation σc = [(Fc / A) / (ΔL / d)]
Chattopdhyay & Pandy (1999). The specimen was placed on the base plate form perpendicularly. The compressive
force on the stalk sample was applied by a flat heads as shown in Fig. 3. During the test, the cross-head was moved
down at 25 cm/s speed deforming the sample until failure was achieved. The modulus of elasticity in compression was
calculated using above equation. The compression test was conducted for the length of the stalk at three position
bottom, middle and top of the stalks.
Fig. 3 Compression test
After conducting the Compression test as per the procedure mention above on the cotton stalk and pigeon pie, the result
obtained as mention in table below.
Table 6. Compression Strength of Cotton Stalk
Avera
Comp
Sam
Change
Positi ge
ressio Compr
Compress
ple
in length
on of Diame
Area
n
ession
ive
Leng
of
sampl ter of
(mm2) force force
strength
th
sample
e sampl
Fc Fc (N)
(N/mm2)
(mm)
(mm)
e
(KN)
Botto 29.63 25 689.18 2.88 2800
20.12
7.54
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 160
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
m
Portio
n
Middl
e
Portio
n
28.12
25 620.73 2.51
2510
19.23
7.61
26.87
25 566.77 2.12
2120
19.33
6.55
15.91
15.61
25 198.71 1.5
25 191.28 1.49
1500
1490
19.41
18.75
7.12
5.55
11.85
25 110.23 1.29
1290
15.65
5.41
25
25
25
750
710
620
14.78
14.52
13.88
5.23
5.31
5.27
Top 8.25
Portio 7.5
n
6.7
Positio
n of
sample
Bottom
Portion
Middle
Portion
Top
Portion
53.43 0.75
44.16 0.71
35.24 0.62
Table 7. Compression Strength of Pigeon Pie
Sam
Change
Averag
Comp
ple
Compr
in
e
ression
Len Area
ession length
Diamet
force
gth (mm2)
force
of
er of
Fc
(mm
Fc (N) sample
sample
(KN)
)
(mm)
28.02 25 616.32 3.05 3050 20.15
27.6
25 597.98
3
3000 20.23
26.8
25 563.82 2.92 2920 20.95
15.6
25 191.04 1.7
1700 19.53
15.51 25 188.84 1.69 1690 19.22
12.8
25 128.61 1.39 1390
15
8.1
25 51.50 0.8
800
14.64
7.1
25 39.57 0.77
770
14.1
6.2
25 30.18 0.67
670
13.77
ISSN 2319 - 4847
Compr
essive
strengt
h
(N/mm2
)
7.85
7.69
6.75
7.24
5.67
5.58
5.20
5.37
5.40
3. Test for Tensile strength.
Tensile strength tests were conducted by placing the samples between two parallel clamps in each sides of sample. The
sample axis is placed perpendicular to the clamps axis. There were placed between the clamps and connected by two
arms at no loading. Force was applied to the sample by the tensile and force transducer to the moveable cross-head.
During the test, the cross-head was moved up at 25 cm/s speed deforming the sample, until failure was achieved. A
digital computer unite showed the variations in the force acting on the sample and the force deformation at which
sample tissue failed was recorded as shown in Fig. 4. The mechanical properties of these samples (cotton, and pigeon
stalks) such as modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and toughness have been determined
Fig. 4 Tensile Test
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 161
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
After conducting the tensile test as per the procedure mention above on the cotton stalk and pigeon pie, the result
obtained as mention in table below.
Table 8. Tensile Strength of Cotton Stalk
Position Average Length Area Tensil Tensil Change Tensile
of
Diamete (mm) (mm2) e force e force in strength
sample
r of
Fc Fc (N) length (N/mm2)
sample
(KN)
of
sample
(mm)
29.56
300 685.93 2.00 2000 303.1
0.32
Bottom
28
300 615.44 2.74 2740 304.25 0.32
Portion
27.52
300 594.52 2.02 2020 306.22 0.31
15.98
300 200.46 1.2
1200 307.77 0.24
Middle
15.66
300 192.51 1.25 1250 309.20 0.24
Portion
12.75
300 127.61 0.74
740 310.84 0.23
8.12
300 51.76 0.71
710 310.89 0.22
Top
7.41
300 43.10 0.60
600 311.12 0.21
Portion
6.54
300 33.58 0.54
540 312.29 0.20
Position
of
sample
Bottom
Portion
Middle
Portion
Top
Portion
Table 9. Tensile Strength of Pigeon Pie
Average Length Area Tensil Tensil Change Tensile
Diamete (mm) (mm2) e force e force in strength
r of
Fc Fc (N) length (N/mm2)
sample
(KN)
of
sample
(mm)
29.11
300 665.20 2.08 2080 304.5
0.35
28.22
300 625.15 3
3000 305.1
0.35
27.57
300 596.68 2.92 2920 305.68 0.34
15.4
300 186.17 1.7
1700 308.47 0.33
15
300 176.63 1.69 1690 308.9
0.33
12.57
300 124.03 0.9
900 309.98 0.31
7.65
300 45.94 0.8
800 309.99 0.31
7.1
300 39.57 0.77
770 310.1
0.27
6.09
300 29.11 0.67
670 311.29 0.23
4. Test for Bending Moment.
The indices which determine the bending behaviors of plant material are beam failure stress. The maximum bending
moment was calculated by equation σb = My / I and M = Fb x L Chattopdhyay & Pandy (1999). The bending property of
the stalk was determined by simply supported teat as suggested by Persson, (1987). The sample axis is placed
perpendicular to the plunger axis. Both end of the stalk specimen was fixed rigidly to the fixture with the help of a
screw clamp with two inner semi-circular rims. The vertical force was applied by the chisel heads at the middle of the
mounted specimen at a distance of 90 mm from the fixed point as shown in Fig. 5.
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 162
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
Fig. 5 Bending Test
The test were done till the stalk fails under the application of load, so the performance gives the following test results.
Table 10. Bending Test of Cotton Stalk
Average
Compression
Position of sample Diameter of
force
sample
Fc (N)
28.33
2020
Bottom Portion
27.88
1990
27.11
1940
15.98
1140
Middle Portion
15.1
1080
14.77
1050
12.57
900
Top Portion
7.62
540
7.12
500
Table 11. Bending Test of Pigeon Pie
Average
Compression
Position of sample Diameter of
force
sample
Fc (N)
28.33
2700
Bottom Portion
27.51
2600
27.19
2590
15.14
1400
Middle Portion
14.78
1400
12.77
1200
8.52
810
Top Portion
8.1
770
7.56
720
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 163
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
5. Impact Test.
The impact teat of sample is done for determining the energy required to shear the sample in transverse as well as
along the axis. The impact test can be done in two types.
i. Charpy impact test.
Sample required for Charpy impact teat is of length 55 mm and it should be placed in horizontal against the load. Load
is to be released from 1350 by using “V” notch for shearing as shown in the fig. 6 below.
Fig. 6 Impact Test
ii. Izod impact test
Sample required for Izod impact teat is of length 80 mm and it should be placed vertical in the provided slot against the
load. Load should be released from 900 by using “U” notch for shearing, the observation for Charpy and Izod Impact
test are mention in the table below.
Table 12. Observations of Charpy Impact test
Pigeon Pie
Cotton Stalk
Average
Average
Position of
Energy in
Energy in
Diameter
Diameter of
sample
Joule
Joule
of sample
sample
25.63
673
25
656.46
Bottom
24.66
647
24.55
644.11
Portion
24.1
633
24.21
635.89
14.88
390
15.12
396.29
Middle
14.1
370
14.22
373.15
Portion
14
367
13.67
358.35
7.9
207
7.4
193.90
Top Portion
7.5
197
7.2
189.12
7.1
186
6.54
171.33
Table 13. Observations of Izod Impact test
Pigeon Pie
Cotton Stalk
Average
Average
Position of
Energy in
Energy in
Diameter
Diameter of
sample
Joule
Joule
of sample
sample
25.61
760
25.22
662.23
Bottom
24.88
737
24.12
632.83
Portion
24.56
728
24.56
645.08
Middle
14.22
441
14.11
369.82
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 164
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Portion
Top Portion
14.1
13.88
8.51
8.41
7.1
418
411
252
249
210
14.02
13.28
7.1
7
6.33
ISSN 2319 - 4847
367.90
348.13
186.04
183.87
165.83
6. Torsion Test.
The torsion teat of sample is done for determining the torque required to shear the sample. Sample required for torsion
teat is of length 350 mm and it should be clamp horizontal in the jaws provided as shown below in the fig. 7 and the
test performance are tabulated below.
Fig. 7 Torsion Test
Table 14. Observations of Torsion test
Cotton Stalk
Pigeon Pie
Average
Average
Position of
Torque in
Torque in
Diameter
Diameter of
sample
N.m
N.m
of sample
sample
26.1
108.75
26.87
127.14
Bottom
25.1
104.5
26.11
123.52
Portion
24.58
102.4
25.12
118.86
15.2
63.3
14.1
66.72
Middle
14.23
59.29
13.1
61.98
Portion
14.1
58.75
12.16
57.54
7.98
33.25
7.54
35.67
Top Portion
7.55
31.45
7.22
34.16
7.17
29.875
7.11
33.64
7. Test for Moisture Content
Stalk samples were oven dried at 105° C for 24 h by using electrical oven as shown in the below fig 8. The samples
were weighted before and after drying and the moisture content was determined by using the following equation:
Moisture Content = (SB – SA) / SB x 100
Where:
• SB = Sample mass before drying
• SA = Sample mass after drying
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 165
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
Fig. 8 Electric Oven for Moisture Test
• For bottom sample with average diameter of 25.69 mm
Sample mass before drying = 21.56 g
Sample mass after drying
= 19.77 g
Moisture content
= (21.56 – 18.11)/21.56 x 100
= 16.00 % (WB)
• For middle sample with average diameter of 15.87 mm
Sample mass before drying = 16.59 g
Sample mass after drying
= 14.23 g
Moisture content
= (16.59 – 14.23) /16.59 x 100
= 14.22 % (WB)
• For middle sample with average diameter of 13.66 mm
Sample mass before drying = 13.25 g
Sample mass after drying = 11.98 g
Moisture content
= (13.25 – 11.98) /13.25 x 100
= 9.58 % (WB)
• For top sample with average diameter of 15.87 mm
Sample mass before drying = 11.15 g
Sample mass after drying
= 10.25 g
Moisture content
= (11.15 – 10.25) /11.25 x 100
= 8.07 % (WB)
Results and Discussion
There are many parameters affecting the performance of cutting processes in this study. Some of these parameters are
related to the cutting tools, some are related to the plant materials and others are related to the performance of the
chipping machine. The obtained results throughout the several stages of laboratory are presented and discussed in this
paper.
1. Physical characteristics of cotton, maize stalks and sugar cane bagasse.
The results obtained from measuring several samples (100 sample) of each residues such as cotton stalks and pigeon pie
showed that the maximum value of stem length cotton stalks and pigeon pie were 182, 330 and 300 cm respectively,
meanwhile the minimum value of stem length were 98, 240 and 190 cm for the same residues in sequence. The
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 166
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
maximum values for cotton stalks and pigeon pie stem diameter were 32 and 40 mm respectively meanwhile the
minimum values of stem diameter were 6 and 5.8 mm for the same residues in sequence. The obtained results of
average values are tabulated in Table 15
Table 15. Average values of some physical properties of
tested farm residues
Cotton stalks
Residue Property
Pigeon pie
Ran
ge
Avera
ge
Range
Avera
ge
Stem length, cm
182 98
147.6
9
250 110
117.5
Stem diameter,
mm
32 –
6
18
40 – 5.8
24.11
Mass of one stalk,
(g)
200 35
106.7
2
300 58.25
179.12
5
Number of
branches
27 6
15.95
24-7
15.5
The mechanical properties of the entire plant, such as stress-strain behavior, resistance to tensile, compressive strength,
modulus of elasticity and toughness as guidelines of plant and design experts, mechanical properties of residues (cotton
stalks and pigeon pie) may be defined as those properties that determine the behavior of material under applied loads.
The entire above mention test done on both plant residue and the result obtain is mention below table 16 & 17
Table 16. Mechanical and Physical characteristic of Cotton Stalk
Com
Shear Shear
Tens
pres
Com
stren stren
ile
Tor Mo
sive
pres
gth
gth
stre
Ener que istu
stre
sion
(Dou (Singl
ngth
gy in
in
re
ngth
forc
ble)
e)
(N/
Joule
N. con
(N/
e Fc
(N/m (N/m
mm
m tent
2
mm
(N)
m2)
m2)
2)
)
108
28.52 29.77 7.54 0.32 2020 656.
.75
Bott
16.
104
om
26.18 28.11 7.61 0.32 1990 644.
00
.5
Port
%
ion
102
22.7
23.85 6.55 0.31 1940 635.
.4
63.
16.98 17.54 7.12 0.24 1140 396.
3
Mid
14.
59.
dle
16.22 16.98 5.55 0.24 1080 373.
22
29
Port
%
ion
58.
11.85 12.85 5.41 0.23 1050 358.
75
33.
8.87
9
5.23 0.22
900
193.
25
Top
31. 9.5
8.74
5.31 0.21
540
189.
Port 7.94
45
8%
ion
29.
5.59
7.77
5.27
0.2
500
171.
875
Table 17. Mechanical and Physical characteristic of Pigeon pie
Shea Shear Com Tens Com Ene
M
Torqu
r
stren pres
ile
pres rgy
ois
e in
stren
gth
sive
stre sion
in
tu
N.m
gth (Singl stre ngth forc Joul
re
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 167
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Bott
om
Port
ion
Mid
dle
Port
ion
Top
Port
ion
(Dou
ble)
(N/m
m2)
29.6
5
26.8
8
22.7
1
17.2
6
16.5
3
12.6
3
7.87
e)
(N/m
m2)
ngth
(N/
mm2
)
(N/
mm
2)
e Fc
(N)
e
24.94
7.85
0.35
2700
760
127.14
23.46
7.69
0.35
2600
737
123.52
19.91
6.75
0.34
2590
728
118.86
12.89
7.24
0.33
1400
441
66.72
12.22
5.67
0.33
1400
418
61.98
11.95
5.58
0.31
1200
411
57.54
6.31
5.20
0.31
810
252
35.67
7.04
6.28
5.37
0.27
770
249
34.16
6.59
6.24
5.40
0.23
720
210
33.64
ISSN 2319 - 4847
co
nt
en
t
18
.2
2
%
15
.2
1
%
8.
59
%
V. CONCLUSIONS
The entire test of cotton stalk and pigeon pie is done in view of designing characteristic required for wood chipping
machine, the cotton stalk and pigeon pie are the prime production of farmers in Vidarbha region. After taking out the
production of cotton and pigeon pie these plants are to be scraped. The scraped material of all these plant residue can
be properly utilized for the paper manufacturing units in the forms of chips (small sizes) through chipper machine, but
in order to design the wood chipper for cotton stalk and pigeon pie the basic characteristic are required such as the
maximum shearing strength, maximum compressive strength, tensile strength, total energy and torque required for
shearing various diameter of cotton stalk and pigeon pie. These maximum values can gives the basic design platform
for wood chipper machine such as power required, diameter of cutter shaft, maximum rpm of cutter shaft, number of
chipping blades required etc. The design procedure of wood chipper based on all above obtained values is under process
and that can be presented later. To do the various tests and get the result as various mechanical and physical behavior
of cotton stalk and pigeon pie is itself an achievement. The result of various test at various region of stalk is mention
below in table no 18.
Observations for
Cotton stalk
Double
Shear
strength
(N/mm2)
Single
Shear
strength
(N/mm2)
Compres
sive
strength
(N/mm2)
Tensile
strength
(N/mm2)
Compres
sion
force Fc
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Observations for
Pigeon pie
Botto
m
Porti
on
Mid
dle
Port
ion
Top
Porti
on
Botto
m
Porti
on
Midd
le
Porti
on
Top
Port
ion
28.52
16.9
8
8.87
29.65
17.26
7.87
29.77
17.5
4
9
24.94
12.89
6.31
7.54
7.12
5.23
7.85
7.24
5.20
0.32
0.24
0.22
0.35
0.33
0.31
2020
1140
900
2700
1400
810
Page 168
International Journal of Application or Innovation in Engineering & Management (IJAIEM)
Web Site: www.ijaiem.org Email: editor@ijaiem.org
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
ISSN 2319 - 4847
(N)
Energy
in Joule
Torque
in N.m
Moisture
content
656.4
6
108.7
5
16.00
%
396.
29
193.9
63.3
33.25
14.2
2%
9.58
%
760
127.1
4
18.22
%
441
66.72
15.21
%
252
35.6
7
8.59
%
From the above test result it can be concluded that the pigeon pie stalk is quite hard and tough to break and than that of
cotton stalk for same diameter. Here the shear strength required for cotton stalk for bottom portion of stalk is 28.52
N/mm2 and for pigeon pie is 29.65 N/mm2, the compressive and tensile strength for the cotton stalk at the bottom
region 7.54 N/mm2 & 0.32 N/mm2 and for pigeon pie is 7.85 N/mm2 & 0. 35 N/mm2. The energy required to shear the
cotton stalk is less than that of pigeon pie and it is in the ration of 1: 1.15. Even after the moisture content of the pigeon
pie is greater than cotton stalk.
REFERENCES
[1] Chattopadhyay, P.S. and K.P. Pandy (1999). Mechanical properties of sorghum stalk in relation quasi-static
deformation. J. Agri. Eng. Res. 73: 199-206.
[2] El Hag H E; Kunze O R; Wilkes L H (1971). Influence of moisture, drymatter density and rate of loading on
ultimate strength of cotton stalks. Transactions of the ASAE, 13(3), 713–716
[3] Khazaei J; Rabani H; Ebadi A; Golbabaei F (2002). Determining the shear strength and picking force of pyrethrum
flower. AIC Paper No. 02-221, CSAE, Mansonville, Que., Canada
[4] Mesquita C M; Hanna M A (1995). Physical and mechanical properties of soybean crops. Transactions of the
ASAE, 38(6), 1655–1658
[5] Persson S (1987). Mechanics of Cutting Plant Material. ASAE, St Joseph, MI, In Handbook of Engineering in
Agriculture, Vol. 1, pp. 35-63, CRC Press Inc., FL.
[6] Prasad J; & Gupta C P (1975). Mechanical properties of maize stalk as related to harvesting. Journal of
Agricultural Engineering Research, 20(2), 79–87.
[7] Prince, R.P. J.W.Bartok,Jr., and D.W. Bradway. (1969). Shear stress and modulus of elasticity of selected forages.
Transaction of the ASAE 12(4): 426– 429.
[8] Chancellor WJ (1958). Energy requirements for cutting forage. Agricultural Engineering, 39(10), 633–640
[9] Mesquita C M; Hanna M A (1995). Physical and mechanical properties of soybean crops. Transactions of the
ASAE, 38(6), 1655–1658
[10] Sakharov V V; Rakmanberdiev G G; and Guagev G G (1984). An investigation into the severing of pre-tensed
mulberry stems by a screw-type cutter. Mekhanizatsiya i Elekfikikatsiya Sel’Skaogo Khozyaistva, 3, 61–62.
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
Page 169