Modeling of soil–claw interaction using the discrete element method (DEM)
2016
Li, Bo | Chen, Ying | Chen, Jun
Bionics can be applied in the area of designing soil engaging tools in agriculture to minimize power requirement and optimize soil conditions for crop growth. In this study, a bear claw was investigated with the objective of mimicking it for the future design of subsoiling tools. A numerical model was developed using the discrete element method (DEM) to simulate the interaction of the bear claw with soil. During the simulations, soil cutting forces were recorded and soil disturbance of the claw was monitored. The most critical model parameter, particle stiffness, was calibrated through comparing the soil cutting forces and disturbance width of a blade between the simulations and the predictions by the universal earthmoving equation from the literature. Then the calibrated model was used to examine effects of the working depths and rake angles of the claw on the soil cutting forces and soil disturbance characteristics. The results showed that draft and vertical forces varied linearly and nonlinearly, respectively with the rake angle of the claw; however, number of particles dislodged and soil porosity changes varied only slightly with the change of rake angle. All these dynamic attributes significantly increased as the working depth of the claw increased. Considering draft force and soil disturbance, the best performance of the claw was at the rake angle of 30°.
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