Mathematical Prediction of Excavating Force and Power of Chain Type Trenching Machine

Abstract A mathematical analysis was done to find out the factors that affect the excavating force and power of a chain type trenching machine. The mathematical analysis showed that the excavating force and power of the chain type trenching machine are affected by tool cutting speed, tool-cutting angle, angle between cutting movement and vertical direction, trench depth and width, coefficient of friction between soil and metal, soil cohesion resistance, and soil specific weight. The results of field experiments showed that the theoretical excavating force (Ftt) was lower than the actual excavating force by 4.0 kN and 3.5 kN for the 1.2 m and 1.5 m trench depth, respectively. The theoretical excavating power (Pr) was lower than the actual excavating power by 3.8% and 2.8% at a trench depth of 1.2 m and 1.5 m, respectively.