Effect of cracks on the pressure-velocity relationship of air forced through baled alfalfa hay

J. L. Tolzin, R. S. Gates, G. M. White, B. F. Parker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

An experimental investigation determined the effects of cracks between bales on the pressure-velocity relationship of air flow through alfalfa hay bales. The pressure drop of air within and across the bales was measured for a range of air flow rates. Empirical models were developed to provide equations for pressure drop as a function of mean velocity, flow through bales, and flow through a system of bales with crack sizes of 1.3, 2.5, and 5.4 cm. The experimental results were used to validate a finite element model that was developed to predict volume flow rate through the bales, pressure and velocity distribution, and proportion of air flow lost through the cracks between the bales. Comparison of numerical results with the measured data was carried out. The program provides a means of evaluating various stacking configurations, and provides a first step toward a drying model for stacks of bales.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1759-1766
Number of pages8
JournalTransactions of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers
Volume33
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agricultural and Biological Sciences (miscellaneous)

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