TESTING
During the testing portion of this project, the constructed tool was tested to ensure it meets all design requirements. In addition to requirements, the tool had to perform typical field operations to better evaluate its success.
The primary parameters tested in the interest of the tools success are the material’s hardness, the volume of soil removed by the scraper, and the tools condition after static and dynamic loading. The final success includes the tools performance in line construction when compared to the commonly used Pulaski.
For the complete testing report and results refer to the "Engineering Report" under the "Project" tab.
DIMENSIONAL TESTING
The dimensional testing ensures that the constructed device meets all design requirements that have to do with size and weight.
RESULTS
After performing all measurments and calculations the device passed all dimensional requirements.
SOIL REMOVAL VOLUME OF SCRAPER
This volume test is done to ensure the new scraper removes the minimum required volume of soil per scoop. The increased soil removal illistrates the tools improvement to work on the fireline.
RESULTS
The average volume of soil removed was nearly 4x the required amount.
HARDNESS TESTING
Hardness testing was performed on the Axe, Scraper, and tool center at various distances from the edge. This was to check if the design requirements for hardness were met.
RESULTS
Hardness testing was also done to a standard Pulaski for comparison. The Pulaski average hardness was 35 HRC. The Axe had a average hardness within the required parameters but the Scraper and tool center did not. Although the Scraper was out of tolerance, it was still greater than the Pulaski's hardness and approved for futher testing.
STATIC AND DYNAMIC LOAD TESTING
For load testing both a static and dynamic test was performed. The static test involed a strain gauge to be placed near the weld at the base of the Scraper. The end was loaded with wight in 20 lb increments up to 60 lbs. The strain values were then compared to the predicted values. The Dynamic test was done done as described in the USDA Forest Service Pulaski Specification document 5100-355E. This is a practical use test all Pulaski's do to ensure no wear is noticed after 10 heavy blows into hard wood.
RESULTS
The strain values recorded under each load were all within 20% of the predicted values. The maximum stress calculated was well under the point of failure. The practical impact test resulted with no visible chipping, or yeilding.
FIELD TESTING
Field testing was done to give the project device an overall success value. The success was greatly based on how it performed when compared to a standard Pulaski for line construction. The test required both tools to construct 5ft of fireline in two different fuel types. The success values were calculated with the consideration of the time, # of swings, and quality of the line completed. These values were compared to show the improved rating of the new tool.
RESULTS
Both testing locations and line construction resulted with the new multi-use handtool requiring less time, less swings, and having a better quality then the standard Pulaski. After comparing the success critera, the new tool showed a 2x improvement for test 1 and a 1.5x improved value for test 2.
