Theoretical study of the process of wear of the abrasive fraction of the soil when it moves along the working surface of parts of tillage implements

BACKGROUND: Theoretical and practical studies in the field of abrasive wearing of soil tilling tools are generally focused on the processes of galling of working surfaces of their components. Meanwhile, the factor of changing the shape of an abrasive particle during its motion on the wearing plane remains behind the study focus. Not considering the abovementioned factor leads to wrong conclusions and have a negative impact on development of the technology of manufacturing, strengthening and restoration of structural components of agricultural machinery. AIM: Conducting theoretical studies of the wearing process of the abrasive fraction of soil during its motion on the working surface of the components of soil tilling tools. METHODS: The study was conducted with using the known theoretical studies in the field of abrasive wearing. The integral calculus and fundamentals of tribological engineering were used. RESULTS: The study result is derivation of the formula, which shows the degree of changing the shape of an abrasive particle taking its motion on the friction surface and soil pressure into account. The parameter that mainly defines the wearing rate is the value of the external force. The theoretical study was considered for cultivator shovels. It is shown that the obtained mathematical expressions can be used practically for all components of the soil tilling tools. CONCLUSION: The obtained mathematical equations point out the potential presence of three factors in the wearing process, such as scratching, contact deformation and rolling in dependence of changing the shape of the abrasive substance during its motion on the friction surface.