The use of dimensional analysis for modeling tractor fuel consumption for harrowing operation

Abstract

Fuel consumption model for predicting tractor fuel consumption per working area for harrowing operation has been developed using dimensional analysis. Generalized reduced gradient method of Excel solver was adopted for the establishment of the model’s constant. The model was validated by simulating the experimental results into the equation and coefficient determination (r2). Graphical comparison, root mean square error, and paired t-test were also use to validate. The field experiment was carried out at Rivers Institute of Agricultural Research and Training Farm in Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. The group balanced block design was adopted. The design consisted of 9 experimental treatments with three replicates. The experimental fuel consumption per working area was determined by quantity of fuel used per working area with the aid of fuel flow meter. The field test parameters were measured accordingly with their specific standard procedures. The field test parameters including bulk density, tractor forward speed, harrowing depth, and cone index were simulated with fuel consumption to obtain the constants in the prediction model. The developed model showed good agreement between measured and predicted results with high coefficient of determination and low root mean square error. The paired t-test results showed no significant difference at 95 and 99 % confidence levels. Thus, suggested that the model could be used for predicting tractor fuel consumption for harrowing operation.