This is a brief summary of some highlights of the USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory (Auburn, Alabama, USA).
A unique feature of the USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory at Auburn, Alabama, USA is its set of large soil bins and special measuring equipment designed for research on full-scale machines. The soil bins contain thirteen soil types having mechanical compositions varying from sand to clay. The Farm Tillage Machinery Laboratory was established in 1933, and is today known as the National Soil Dynamics Laboratory.
Two of the soil bins are inside a building, so soil moisture content can be controlled and soil-machine research can be conducted year around.
Traction and soil compaction research is conducted using the Traction Research Vehicle. The Vehicle operates a single tractor drive tire using a feedback control system. Tire load, inflation pressure, and either travel reduction or net traction, are controlled by computer during each test.
The Dynamometer Car, shown in the middle here, is used for research on full-scale tillage tools. The yellow tillage tool here is mounted to the three-dimensional dynamometer, and the Power Car, shown at the right, provides power to pull the tool through the soil. The Instrument Car at the left, houses a computer-based data acquisition and control system.
Data from soil triaxial tests have been used to develop soil compaction equations.
Examples of the Laboratory's influence on the design and use of machines include effects of various geometrical shapes and types of materials on performance and life of soil-engaging equipment and ...
... tire load and inflation pressure recommendations for minimizing soil compaction and optimizing tractive performance.
