Static structural analysis and finite element evaluation of a developed inter-intra row weeding mechanism for cotton cultivation

Mechanical weeding has emerged as an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical weed control in cotton cultivation. However, the structural reliability of agricultural implements operating under field conditions is essential to ensure safe and efficient performance. This study presents the finite element-based static structural analysis of a developed inter-intra row weeding mechanism using ANSYS Workbench 2021 R2. The three-dimensional model of the implement was developed in SolidWorks and imported into the ANSYS environment for simulation. Mild steel was selected as the construction material owing to its favorable mechanical properties and widespread application in agricultural machinery. Static loading conditions representing the combined weight of the battery, electric motors, transmission system, inter-row and intra-row weeding units were applied to evaluate the structural behaviour of the implement. The finite element model was analyzed in terms of maximum principal stress, equivalent (von Mises) stress and total deformation. The main frame exhibited a maximum principal stress of 25.69 MPa, a maximum equivalent stress of 49.89 MPa and a maximum deformation of 4.89 mm. The intra-row tool experienced substantially lower stresses, with a maximum equivalent stress of 17.67 MPa and a maximum deformation of only 0.169 mm. The obtained stress and deformation values indicate that the developed structure is capable of safely withstanding operational loads without significant structural failure. The study demonstrates the usefulness of finite element analysis as an effective design validation tool for agricultural machinery and confirms the structural suitability of the developed inter-intra row weeding mechanism for field operation.