Evaluation of energy level to be absorbed by tractor ROPS: Actual Tests, Simulation and Computation

A highly dangerous situations for tractor driver is the lateral rollover in operating conditions. Several accidents, involving tractor rollover, have indeed been encountered, requiring the design of a robust Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS). The aim of the thesis was to evaluate tractor behaviour in the rollover phase so as to calculate the energy absorbed by the ROPS to ensure driver safety. A Mathematical Model representing the behaviour of a generic tractor during a lateral rollover, with the possibility of modifying the geometry, the inertia of the tractor and the environmental boundary conditions, is proposed. The purpose is to define a method allowing the prediction of the elasto-plastic behaviour of the subsequent impacts occurring in the rollover phase. A tyre impact model capable of analysing the influence of the wheels on the energy to be absorbed by the ROPS has been also developed. Different tractor design parameters affecting the rollover behaviour, such as mass and dimensions, have been considered. This permitted the evaluation of their influence on the amount of energy to be absorbed by the ROPS. The mathematical model was designed and calibrated with respect to the results of actual lateral upset tests carried out on a narrow-track tractor. The dynamic behaviour of the tractor and the energy absorbed by the ROPS, obtained from the actual tests, showed to match the results of the model developed. The proposed approach represents a valuable tool in understanding the dynamics (kinetic energy) and kinematics (position, velocity, angular velocity, etc.) of the tractor in the phases of lateral rollover and the factors mainly affecting the event. The prediction of the amount of energy to be absorbed in some cases of accident is possible with good accuracy. It can then help in designing protective structures or active security devices.

Segurança do trabalhador em aplicações de herbicidas com pulverizadores de barra em cana-de-açúcar

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a eficiência da cabina do trator, de dois tipos de ponta de pulverização e de duas posições da barra do pulverizador montado em trator em aplicações de herbicidas na cultura de cana-de-açúcar, como medidas de proteção coletiva para a atividade de tratorista, separadamente ou combinadas; e classificar a segurança dessas condições de trabalho com as 46 recomendações de herbicidas registradas. As exposições dérmica e respiratória do tratorista foram quantificadas em aplicações com o pulverizador equipado com barra traseira ou central, associadas com pontas com indução de ar, modelo Turbo TeeJet Air Induction® (TTI-11004VP), e sem indução de ar, modelo Turbo Floodjet® (TF-VP3), e o trator sem e com cabina. Foram calculadas as margens de segurança (MS) para 46 recomendações de aplicação de herbicidas nessas condições de trabalho. Pelos valores de MS calculados, as condições de trabalho foram classificadas como seguras (MS > 1) ou inseguras (MS < 1). A condição de trabalho mais segura para o tratorista é a associação de pulverizador de barra central, trator com cabina e pontas TTI. Nas aplicações com o pulverizador de barra central sem a cabina, das 46 recomendações de herbicidas, são seguras para o tratorista as de imazapyr, trifloxysulfuron-sodium, imazapic, glyphosate, amicarbazone, hexazinone, sulfentrazone, clomazone, oxadiazon, isoxaflutole, pendimethalin, flazasulfuron, tebuthiuron, ethoxysulfuron e acetoclor. Com o uso da cabina, também são seguras as de metribuzin e s-metalochlor. Nas aplicações com o pulverizador de barra traseira sem a cabina, das 46 recomendações de herbicidas, são seguras as de imazapyr, trifloxysulfuron-sodium, imazapic, glyphosate, amicarbazone, hexazinone, sulfentrazone, clomazone, oxadiazon, isoxaflutole, pendimethalin, flazasulfuron e tebuthiuron. Com a associação da cabina, também são seguras para o tratorista a aplicação do ethoxysulfuron com as pontas TF e a do metribuzin e s-metalochlor com as pontas TTI.

Efeitos do período e volume de aplicação na segurança dos tratoristas aplicando herbicidas na cultura de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do período e volume de aplicação na segurança da atividade de tratoristas aplicando herbicidas na cultura de cana-de-açúcar com o pulverizador de barra montado em trator e a eficiência de equipamentos de proteção individual (EPIs) e de uma cabina acoplada ao trator. As exposições dérmicas de 13 condições de trabalho foram avaliadas e analisadas estatisticamente por meio do delineamento inteiramente ao acaso e do esquema fatorial 3 x 2 x 2 + 1. O fator A foi a condição de exposição: 1) exposição dérmica potencial (EDP) - sem nenhuma medida de segurança; 2) exposição com cabina no trator (Cabina); e 3) exposição com as vestimentas (EPI). O fator B foi o volume de aplicação: 1) 200 L ha-1 e 2) 100 L ha-1; e o fator C foi o período de aplicação: 1) diurno e 2) noturno. Como testemunha foi avaliada a EDP do tratorista aplicando na atividade usual de 300 L de calda ha-1, no período diurno. As exposições dérmicas (EDs) aos herbicidas considerados nessas condições de trabalho foram estimadas por meio de dados substitutos das EDs avaliadas ao cátion Cu+2 adicionado como traçador nas caldas aplicadas. O pulverizador utilizado foi do modelo PJ 600, com barra de 12 m de comprimento e 24 bicos de jato plano TT 110 04 ou TT 110 02. As 13 condições de trabalho avaliadas foram classificadas como seguras (MS>1) para o tratorista aplicando os herbicidas glyphosate (48% i.a.), MSMA (48%), diuron (46,8%) + hexazinone (13,2%), clomazone (50%), sulfentrazone (50%), ametryne (50%), diuron (50%), isoxaflutole (75%), metribuzin (48%), 2,4-D (80,6%), ametryne (30%) + clomazone (20%), ametryne (73,25%) + trifloxysulfuron (1,85%) e tebuthiuron (80 %) e inseguras para o herbicida atrazine (50%), nos dois períodos e nos três volumes de aplicação, e ametryne (50%), na aplicação diurna e 100 L de calda ha-1. As aplicações noturnas e os volumes de aplicação reduzidos tornaram as condições de trabalho mais seguras, exceto para o atrazine. A eficiência dos EPIs para a aplicação de 300 L ha-1 variou de 69,5 a 89,3%, e a da cabina do trator variou entre 76,4 e 83,3%, em relação aos volumes reduzidos de 100 e 200 L ha-1.

Eficiência de vestimentas hidrorrepelentes novas na proteção do tratorista em pulverizações de agrotóxicos em goiaba com o turbopulverizador

Os objetivos do trabalho foram: quantificar as exposições dérmicas e respiratórias potenciais proporcionadas ao tratorista em pulverizações de agrotóxicos, na cultura de goiaba, com o turbopulverizador; avaliar a eficiência de duas vestimentas de proteção individual; avaliar a segurança e classificar estas condições de trabalho em seguras ou inseguras para cada agrotóxico considerado. A exposição dérmica potencial proporcionada ao tratorista pela condição de trabalho foi de 3.807,3 mL de calda/7h. A eficiência do conjunto de proteção individual Agro Light foi de 96,7 %, e a do Azeredo, 96,2 %. A exposição dérmica potencial nas regiões do corpo mais expostas do tratorista à pulverização, em ordem decrescente, foram os pés, os braços, as coxas+pernas-frente e o tronco-atrás. A exposição dérmica não-controlada pelos conjuntos de proteção individual foi igualmente distribuída em todas as regiões do corpo do tratorista devido aos controles das exposições dérmicas que proporcionaram às regiões mais expostas do corpo. Foram classificadas como seguras as pulverizações de três dos 17 agrotóxicos considerados e sete com o uso das vestimentas de proteção individual. As demais foram classificadas como inseguras.

Segurança do trabalhador em aplicações de herbicidas com pulverizadores de barra em cana-de-açúcar

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Segurança no trabalho de aplicação de agrotóxicos com o pulverizador de pistolas em citros

The purpose of this study envisaged the quantification of skin and respiratory exposures occasioned by work conditions during pesticide spraying of citrus fruits using hand gun sprayers; the evaluation of the efficiency of individual and group protection measures for the workers; the determination of workers' most exposed body regions; and the classification of work conditions, with and without the tested work-safety protection measures as recommended for the registered pesticides used to control the main pests and diseases that attack these types of trees and fruits. The AZR protection equipment proved to be the most efficient for the tractor driver, when spraying using pistol sprayers. The two sets of individual protection equipment that were checked also proved to be efficient. The most exposed regions of the tractor driver's body were the thighs, the front of the legs, the feet and hands. The most exposed regions of the individual sprayer working on foot were the hands and feet.

Segurança no trabalho com agrotóxicos em citros: aplicação com o turbopulverizador e preparo de calda em tanque de 2.000 L

The objectives of this study were: a) to quantify dermal and respiratory exposure resulting from work conditions in the application of pesticides on citrus crops using a air-assisted sprayer and by preparing the spray in a tank with a capacity of2.000 L; b) to evaluate the measures of individual protection for these workers; c) to determine the areas of the worker's body most exposed; and d) to classify the work conditions with and without the protective measures tested, with regard to the occupational safety of the recommendations for the pesticides used in controlling the main pests and diseases of this crop. It was shown that for the tractor driver and sprayer operator applyng pesticides on citrus trees, the most efficient protective measures were the AZR ensemble and the Real cabin. The AZR ensemble was effective in controlling exposure of the spray preparer, because it was sufficient to turn work conditions from unsafe to safe. The area of the body most exposed under the two work conditions studied was the hands of the workers.

Projeto ergonômico de assento para tratores, utilizando-se dos recursos da computação gráfica

Regardless its power rate, the tractors are the most used source in operations of tillage. Thus, due to the expansion of cultivated areas and the need of striking application of technologies to meet the advance of agribusiness, it has been shown that these machines are concentrated during the work periods, the physical and mechanical actions to perform the activity. So, it's possible to realize that the time of physical exposures and the operational decision-making are related with the job station comfort. In regard to what was mentioned, this paper's main objective is to design an ergonomically viable seat to furnish the operational requirements of the tractor driver, using the new CAD / CAE technologies in order to provide optimal comfort to the relationship between human being and machines.

Refuge Update – September/October 2007, Volume 4, Number 5

Table of Contents: Searching for Japanese MIAs in Alaska – page 3 Japanese and Americans look for burial sites on Attu Island in Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge. The Job of a Lifetime – pages 6-7 Meet a 90-year old volunteer and a 31-year old tractor driver. Crocs Come Back – page 27 American crocodiles are threatened but no longer endangered.

Risk analysis of tractor rollover in the normal operation in field

Tractor rollover represent a primary cause of death or serious injury in agriculture and despite the mandatory Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS), that reduced the number of injuries, tractor accidents are still of great concern. Because of their versatility and wide use many studies on safety are concerned with the stability of tractors, but they often prefer controlled tests or laboratory tests. The evaluation of tractors working in field, instead, is a very complex issue because the rollover could be influenced by the interaction among operator, tractor and environment. Recent studies are oriented towards the evaluation of the actual working conditions developing prototypes for driver assistance and data acquisition. Currently these devices are produced and sold by manufacturers. A warning device was assessed in this study with the aim to evaluate its performance and to collect data on different variables influencing the dynamics of tractors in field by monitoring continuously the working conditions of tractors operating at the experimental farm of the Bologna University. The device consists of accelerometers, gyroscope, GSM/GPRS, GPS for geo-referencing and a transceiver for the automatic recognition of tractor-connected equipment. A microprocessor processes data and provides information, through a dedicated algorithm requiring data on the geometry of the tested tractor, on the level of risk for the operator in terms of probable loss of stability and suggests corrective measures to reduce the potential instability of the tractor.

Data analysis of tractor-trailer drivers to access drivers' perception of heavy duty truck ride quality. Final report.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Driver and Pedestrian Research, Washington, D.C.

Vehicle and driver attributes affecting distance from the steering wheel in motor vehicles

The current study was designed to confirm that female drivers sit closer to the steering wheel than do male drivers and to investigate whether this expected difference in sitting position is attributable to differences in the physical dimensions of men and women. Driver body dimensions and multiple measures of sitting distance from the steering wheel were collected from a sample of 150 men and 150 women. The results confirmed that on average, women sit closer to the steering wheel than men do and that this difference is accounted for by variations in body dimensions, especially height. This result suggests that driver height may provide a good surrogate for sitting distance from the steering wheel when investigating the role of driver position in real-world crash outcomes. The potential applications of this research include change to vehicle design that allows independent adjustment of the relative distance among the driver's seat, the steering wheel, and the floor pedals.

An agent-based approach to modelling driver route choice behaviour under the influence of real-time information

This paper presents an agent-based approach to modelling individual driver behaviour under the influence of real-time traffic information. The driver behaviour models developed in this study are based on a behavioural survey of drivers which was conducted on a congested commuting corridor in Brisbane, Australia. Commuters' responses to travel information were analysed and a number of discrete choice models were developed to determine the factors influencing drivers' behaviour and their propensity to change route and adjust travel patterns. Based on the results obtained from the behavioural survey, the agent behaviour parameters which define driver characteristics, knowledge and preferences were identified and their values determined. A case study implementing a simple agent-based route choice decision model within a microscopic traffic simulation tool is also presented. Driver-vehicle units (DVUs) were modelled as autonomous software components that can each be assigned a set of goals to achieve and a database of knowledge comprising certain beliefs, intentions and preferences concerning the driving task. Each DVU provided route choice decision-making capabilities, based on perception of its environment, that were similar to the described intentions of the driver it represented. The case study clearly demonstrated the feasibility of the approach and the potential to develop more complex driver behavioural dynamics based on the belief-desire-intention agent architecture. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

A compact shock-assisted free-piston driver for impulse facilities

A free-piston driver that employs entropy-raising shock processes with diaphragm rupture has been constructed, which promises significant theoretical advantages over isentropic compression. Results from a range of conditions with helium and argon driver gases are reported. Significant performance gains were achieved in some test cases. Heat losses are shown to have a strong effect on driver processes. Measurements compare well with predictions from a quasi-one-dimensional numerical code.