A MODEL FOR MEASURING THE EFFECT OF TIRE PRESSURE AND DRIVING SPEED ON HORIZONTAL SPRAYER BOOM MOVEMENTS AND SPRAY PATTERN

There are a number of reasons for incorrect spray distributions but ho rizontal boom vibrations, effected by soil unevenness, are a major cau se of irregular spray patterns. A modal model of a flexible sprayer bo om was developed, based on experimental measurements and modal analysi s techniques to investigate horizontal boom vibrations and the related spray pattern. Field input forces were simulated with a tractor and m ounted sprayer driven over a standardized bumpy road. The modal model and the input force were combined in a forced response technique to si mulate the boom movement by which the spray deposit distribution was c omputed. A comparison of the spray patterns with different tire pressu res and driving speeds gave an optimal range of use for the tested spr ayer, tractor and tires. This method allows rapid testing of new spray er designs.