1991 Volume 53 Issue 5 Pages 11-21
A packaged FEM program, the NISA II, was used to analyze the distribution of stresses and strains on a moldboard plow bottom at various simulated plowing speeds. Quadrilateral thin shell elements were generated by the program based on the contour data of the moldboard and share surfaces. With the use of mathematical models, normal and tangential forces on each path of the tool surface were calculated at four plowing speeds and used as input to the FEM program. Linear static analysis of the loading conditions obtained the quantitative and qualitative behavior of the stresses and strains in the internal structure of the moldboard plow body. Points of stress concentration and large displacements were found to occur in the share. Displacements of the rear portion of the moldboard were found to increase with the speed. Graphical representations describing the distribution of the stresses and strains were also given.
