Effects of cutting parameters on the ultimate shear stress and specific cutting energy of sisal leaves.

Studying the effects of cutting parameters on the ultimate shear stress and specific cutting energy of sisal leaves can provide a basis for the design of high-efficiency and energy-saving harvesting machinery. In this study, hybrid (H.) 11648 sisal leaves (83% wet basis) were investigated experimentally using the single-factor method and the response surface method under quasi-static cutting conditions. The results showed that the cutting speed, blade oblique angle, blade entry angle, and leaf elevation angle significantly influence the ultimate shear stress and specific cutting energy of sisal leaves. The interaction term of the blade oblique angle and leaf elevation angle significantly affects the ultimate shear stress, while the interaction term of the cutting speed and blade oblique angle significantly affects the specific cutting energy. The values of the optimal cutting parameters, namely the cutting speed, blade oblique angle, blade entry angle, and leaf elevation angle, obtained by solving the multi-objective response equation were 500 mm min−1, 24.23°, −28.8°, and 20°, respectively. Under this setting, the ultimate shear stress and specific cutting energy for the sisal leaf could be reduced by 43.48% and 10.71%, respectively, compared with the case close to practical harvesting. Within acceptable ranges of the ultimate shear stress and specific cutting energy, increasing the cutting speed and utilising viable parameter values that are close to the optimised ones can also have a positive effect on peak cutting force reduction, energy savings, and miniaturisation of harvesting machinery. • Cutting parameters affect the cutting force and energy consumption of sisal leaves. • Horizontal cutting or oblique cutting is better than vertical cutting. • Increase the cutting speed can reduce the cutting force and energy consumption. • Provide new ideas for designing sisal leaves harvesting machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]