This was used at the pick-up end of the auger in an attempt to increase capacity. While it did help some it also had a tendency to wear rapidly at the bend and throw the grain forward rather than into the tube. Modern technology now allows flight to be produced with a cup, this is where the entire flight is cupped forward, thus holding the grain in toward the center. This increases capacity and reduces breakage. Generally this is used only on the loading end where the flight is exposed, once grain is in the tube it has nowhere to go but up the tube.
Many seed companies use cupped flighting throughout their augers to reduce breakage.
The best way to reduce breakage or cracking in grains or beans when augering, is to have sufficient clearance between your outside tube and your flighting, use cupped flighting, keep your auger full and run at reduced R.P.M.'s. R.F.S. carries cupped flighting in most popular sizes. Another item that can be extremely helpful, particularly if you have an end or piece that is wearing down but not completely gone. This is Ribbon Flight, a heavy flight that is rolled to your original flights outside diameter and pitch. Ribbon flight is then clamped to your old flighting and welded to it.