Experimental study of soil cutting with dynamic cutting edge tip

Abstract

The experimental study results of the of soil cutting with dynamic cutting edge tip and the pneumatic accumulator are presented in the paper. Recent research and publications indicate increasing attention to improving the energy efficiency of earthmoving processes through adaptive and energy-storing working elements; however, existing theoretical models remain insufficiently accurate for predicting force interaction parameters in complex soil–tool systems. This creates the need for experimental verification and refinement of analytical approaches. The purpose of the study is to experimentally determine the cutting resistance force and to establish its dependence on the pressure level in the pneumatic accumulator. The main research methods include physical modeling using the paraffin-based soil analogue, strain-gauge measurements, and mathematical processing of experimental data with subsequent comparative analysis against theoretical predictions. The obtained results demonstrate the pronounced nonlinear dependence of cutting force on pressure, characterized by the U-shaped curve. It was found that the system exhibits an optimal pressure range, within which the minimum cutting resistance and the most energy-efficient operating regime are achieved. Outside this range, both low and excessive pressure levels lead to increased cutting resistance due to insufficient damping or excessive system rigidity. The comparison between experimental and theoretical results showed good agreement, with the deviation of up to 11%, confirming the adequacy of the proposed theoretical model. The results obtained can be used for the design and optimization of working elements of construction machinery aimed at reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.