We have measured the piercing resistance force on the model mole piercers (the ball type) when the relative density of soil and the surface pressure to keep away the soil rise were varied. We used the sandy loam and the clay loam for the test.
The results are as follows.
(1) When the surface of soil is pressed, the piercing resistance force increases as the soil relative density increases and tip angle of ball decreases.
In the case of the free surface of soil, there is no clear tendency. But on the small tip angled balls it appears that piercing resistance force is larger than the larger angled ones.
(2) In the case of ball with skirt the piercing resistance force increases as the relative soil density increases and the skirt length increases.
But in the case of the free surface of soil, there is no clear tendency.
(3) When ball has a shank, the piercing resistance force increases as the soil denstiy increases, even if the surface of soil is not pressed.
(4) In the case of clay loam, the piercing resistance force has no relation with the tip angle of ball, whether the surface of soil is pressed or not, and it appears that the piercing resistance force increases as skirt length increases, but this tendercy is not clear.
(5) Effect of the shank is also found when the surface of soil is not pressed, but this tendency is far less than in the case of the sandy loam.
(6) When there is any obstacle on the path of ball moving, the piercing resistance force increases straightly.
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