Studies on the Physical Property of Rice Seedling Mat (Part I)

Fundamental Approach for the Development of the Self Feeding Devices of Rice Transplanting Machine

Abstract

Studies were conducted for the establishing the method of evaluating the physical property of rice seedling mat, and for gaining data for designing the self feeding device of seedling mat.
Experimental results related to the coefficient of friction and the sliding angle of seedling mat, the bending deflection by dead load of mat, the deformation of mat by falling down and vibration and the effect of feeding speed on mat deformation, were/will be reported in part I and II.
After analyzing the results mentioned above, the measuring method of strength and toughness of rice seedling mat was established. A part of design standard for designing the self feeding device was also established.
As a type of self feeding device, a falling type of seedling mat with sequential automatic control was designed and tested. The relationship between mat sensor and its physical property was reported.
The sliding angle of seedling mat was approximately 45 degrees on flat metal table and 35 degrees on waved one.
The method of measuring the strength of seedling mat was proposed as follows;
to measure the deflection at a middle point of mat after supporting the mat for 30 second on span of 150-200mm long.
to measure the decrement of mat thickness after falling down from the height of 0.5 to 1.0m.