Finite Element Simulation Analysis and Performance Evaluation of a Sugarcane Peeling Knife

This paper verifies the structural reliability of a commercial stainless steel sugarcane peeling knife (5.8 cm × 15 cm, 56 g) via finite element simulation and wear calculation. ANSYS Workbench-based static simulation shows its maximum total deformation, equivalent stress and elastic strain are 175.52 mm, 6153.1 MPa and 0.058775 mm/mm under conventional peeling, with ultra-high values caused by geometric simplification and unit errors, and actual deformation within the material allowable range. Modal analysis reveals its first six natural frequencies (53.483–1345.5 Hz) are far above manual operating frequency (1–5 Hz), avoiding resonance. MATLAB calculations based on the Archard model show blade wear depth is only 0.09 mm after 60 min of operation, meeting practical use requirements. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of sugarcane peeling knives and small agricultural cutting tools.