Approximating Equations for Rotary Distributor Spread Patterns

Abstract

ABSTRACT THIS paper describes the development of approxi-mating equations for the spread patterns of rotary distributors for granular fertilizers. Approximating equations are derived for particle trajectories as influ-enced by particle size. It is shown by statistical simula-tion that the variability in particle size has little effect on the shape of the spread pattern, although the mean par-ticle size is still important. The probability distribution for particle placement on the ground is then derived us-ing an assumed probability distribution for the flow of particles onto the spinner and the equations of particle motion thereafter. Three applicator configurations are considered, and experimental comparison is carried out for one of these cases.