Combine Harvesters Theory, Modeling, and Design

Introduction to Combine Harvesters
Introduction
Technological Requirements for Combine Harvesters
History of Combine Harvester Development
Construction of Modern Combine Harvesters: Specifications and Performance
Equipment for Combine Harvesters
Power Systems of Combine Harvesters
Cab, Information, and Control Center
Combine Harvester Performance
References
Bibliography

System Modeling, Simulation, and Control
Introduction
System/Process Modeling
Deterministic Models
Stochastic Models
System Simulation and Optimization
System/Process Control
General Simulation and Control Model of a Combine Harvester
References
Bibliography

Crop Harvesting Data and Plant Properties
Introduction
Crop Data
Plant Properties and Behavior Modeling
Plant Grain Properties
Aerodynamic Properties of Plant Grains and MOG
Friction Coefficients of Plant Grains and MOG
References
Bibliography

Plant Cutting, Gathering, and Conveying Processes and Equipment
Introduction
Grain Header
Stripper Header
Corn Header
Sunflower Header
References
Bibliography

Cereal Threshing and Separating Processes: Threshing Units
Introduction
Construction of Tangential Threshing Units
Construction of Axial Threshing Units
Performance Indices of a Threshing Unit
General Assumptions in Theory, Mathematical Modeling, and Simulation
Modeling of Material Kinematics
Modeling of Grain Threshing and Separating Processes
Modeling of MOG Fragmentation and Separation Processes
Modeling of Threshing Unit Power Requirement
GA-Based Optimization of the Threshing Unit Process and Design (MATLAB Application)
References
Bibliography

Separation Process and Operation of Straw Walkers
Introduction
Construction of Straw Walkers
Theory and Modeling of Grain Separation of Straw Walkers
MOG Motion on Straw Walkers
Straw Walker Design Considerations
References
Bibliography

Cleaning Unit Process and Operation
Introduction
Construction of Cleaning Units
Modeling of Grain Separation on Cleaning Unit
References
Bibliography

Grain Conveying Process and Equipment
Introduction
Auger Elevator
Scraper Elevator
Bucket Elevator
References
Bibliography

Crop Residue Chopping and Spreading Processes and Equipment
Introduction
Construction of Choppers and Spreaders
Theory, Modeling, and Design of Crop Residue Chopping Process
Theory, Modeling, and Design of Crop Residue Spreading Process
References
Bibliography

Corn Ear Dehusking Process and Equipment
Introduction
Construction and Specifications of Corn Dehusking Units
Dehusking Process Theory
Bibliography

Power System of a Combine Harvester
Introduction
Diesel Engine
Construction of Power Train of Combine Harvesters
Modeling of Power Train of Combine Harvesters
References
Bibliography

Dynamic Modeling of Material Flow in a Combine Harvester
Introduction to Material Flow Dynamics in a Combine
Material Flow Dynamics Modeling
Ensemble-Averaged Models of Multicomponent Vegetal Material Mixtures
Modeling of Dynamic Grain Flow in a Combine Harvester
References
Bibliography

Sensors and Fault Diagnosis Systems for Combine Harvesters
Sensors
Fault Diagnosis Systems for Combine Harvesters
References
Bibliography

Cab, Controls, and Human–Machine Interface
Introduction
Specifications of Combine Harvester Cab
Operator–Machine Interface and Controls
Interaction Modeling
References
Bibliography

Guidance and Control of Autonomous Combine Harvesters
Precision Harvesting, Geospatial Dispersion, and Variability of Crops
Introduction to GPS, Coordinate Systems, and Latitude and Longitude
Map Projection
Geomagnetic Direction Sensing
Computer Vision
Machine Path Tracking and Control
Framework of an Autonomous Combine Harvester
References
Bibliography
Appendix

Biography

Petre Miu is the owner of Projenics (www.projenics.net), Canada. He worked as a research associate at the Biosystems Engineering Department, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and as a professor at the Politehnica University of Bucharest, Romania. Dr. Miu began his most prolific and prestigious scientific work in Stuttgart, Germany, at Hohenheim University, Institute of Agricultural Engineering, where the German government awarded him two consecutive postdoctoral Alexander von Humboldt research grants. He has extensive experience in the design of harvesting machinery and equipment, and in other areas, including computer numerical control machining centers, robotics, and electronic packaging of radio frequency radar systems.

"Despite the vital importance of combine harvesters, there has been surprisingly little published recently on their engineering. This book has admirably filled that gaping void. It can be understood by good undergraduates, yet has sufficient technical strengths and details to please graduate students and practicing engineers. The latest theoretical and practical concepts are thoroughly explained with ample and excellent figures and clear writing. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in combine harvesters.
—John K. Schueller, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA

"This book takes a logical and well-structured approach to presenting a[n] understanding of the design criteria and limitations in the development of a combine harvester. The clearly laid out mathematical principles underlying the theory of operation of a combine make it easy for the reader to follow the process."
—Dr. Kevin McDonnell, University College Dublin, Ireland

"The unitary approach taken in this book which links historical perspective and functional aspects into the classical engineering approach renders itself very well. It is encouraging to note the depth of engineering, mathematics, and other multi-disciplinary aspects in the book. The author has systematically considered all the material properties essential in the design."
—Dr. Vijaya Raghavan, McGill University, Quebec, Canada

"In my opinion, nothing available is really comparable to this book of Petre Miu."
—Dr. Ludger Frerichs, Technical University Braunschweig, Germany

"A broad overview of combine technology today is provided on limited space. State-of-the-art sensors and diagnostic systems are presented including fundamental physical principles and equations. The focus is on the basic understanding of current production combines. Many descriptive figures are used. The level of detail provided in the book is not enough to design a combine, but it gives a fundamental understanding of various combine functions and subsystems."
—Dr. Folker Beck, Deere & Company

"This book contains detailed technical information including constructions and design calculations about a combine. Each working system in a combine was discussed in one chapter that is convenient for readers to use this book as a design reference book. It can be a good reference book for college students and researchers who are working on combine harvester design and test."
—Jude Liu, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University