Programa computacional para simular desempenho tratório de microtrator agrícola de rodas.

Abstract

A computer program with graphical interface was implemented to simulate the dynamic behavior of a agricultural wheeled microtractor through modelling. The code was written in the Microsoft Visual Basic programming language. The program algorithm was based on the method proposed by ASAE D497.4 norm (ASAE, 2000) and in procedures presented by SOUZA et al. (2002). The simulation involved the behavior prediction of the traction force, potency in the traction bar and traction coefficient of the microtrator, and it considered the tractor working with its own weight (without ballast). Basically the program requests entry of values of characteristics of the wheels and of the microtrator, and other parameters and properties. After the simulation the program opens a window with two groups of results: the first contains simulated values of traction coefficient, traction force, potency in the traction bar and other; the second group contains values of system characteristics. The computer program implemented allowed to simulate easily the dynamic behavior of those wheeled microtrators, and it can aid manufacturing and farmers to solve problems in both project and use of this machine type.