Determination and interpretation of bonded-particle model parameters for simulation of maize kernels. (October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Su, Yuan; Xu, Yang; Cui, Tao; Gao, Xiaojun; Xia, Guoyi; Li, Yibo; Qiao, Mengmeng
• Is Part Of: Biosystems engineering. Volume 210(2021)
• Page Start: 193
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2021-10
• Subjects: Maize -- Bonded-particle model -- Breakage properties -- Discrete element method (DEM) -- Compression; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Agricultural engineering -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Génie rural -- Périodiques; Systèmes biologiques -- Périodiques; 631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.08.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1537-5110

Abstract

Abstract : Investigating the relationship between parameters of the bonded-particle model (BPM) and the macroscopic properties of maize kernel may provide a useful insight into the better control of maize processing. This study provides a first step towards the simulation of maize kernel damage behaviour by determining BPM parameters for uniaxial-compressed maize kernels within the discrete element method. Reverse engineering technology was used to obtain a highly accurate representation of maize kernel shape. Rupture force and stiffness were determined by a reliable algorithm. The effects of BPM parameters on mechanical response were examined by employing Plackett–Burman experimental design in conjunction with response surface method to perform significance analysis for the effects of factor combinations. The results showed that shear modulus, coefficient of restitution between particles, and critical normal and shear stress have strong influences on rupture force and stiffness in respect to particle-based parameters, contact parameters, and parallel–bond parameters. Shear modulus and critical normal and shear stress have a significant interactions on stiffness. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Failure mechanism of maize kernel analysed in the uniaxial-compressed test using BPM. Significant parameters affecting mechanical properties of maize kernels proposed. Effects of single factors and factor combinations on macroscopic properties examined. Particle-based parameters, contact parameters, parallel–bond parameters considered. Successful calibration strategy provided for DEM modelling of maize kernel with BPM.