Energy-Efficient Sugarcane Stem Cutting: A Model-Based Approach Using Impact Type Pendulum Testing Machine

This research aimed to study the effect of cutting blade angles (bevel, shear, and approach angle) on the specific cutting energy (SCE) and the cutting index (CI) of sugarcane stalks. The optimizations of cutting blade angles were carried for obtaining minimum SCE and CI using Response Surface Method (RSM) with Box-Behnken Design (BBD). Based on the available literature, three levels of bevel, shear, and approach angle were selected. A pendulum-type impact testing machine (PTITM) was utilized to study the effect of cutting blade angles on SCE and CI. The research findings revealed that the bevel, shear, and approach angle significantly impact the SCE and CI at the 1% significance level. The blade angles, viz., bevel, shear, and approach angle, with their optimal levels, were found to be15°, 20.08°, and 22.74°, respectively at peripheral velocity of cutting blade 2.78 m/s, resulting in a minimum SCE and CI of 11.34 kJm-2 and 2.15, respectively. This performance was validated by setting the optimum cutting blade angles in the pendulum testing machine. Based on performance validation, it was found that the SCE of 10.50 kJm-2 against predicted 11.34 kJm-2, and the CI of 1.5 against predicted 2.15. These results suggest that the validated outcomes closely align with the predicted values, endorsing the recommendation of the above-optimum blade angles for designing cutting blades for sugarcane harvesters and stubble shavers.