An ellipsoid modelling method for discrete element simulation of wheat seeds. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lu, Caiyun; Gao, Zhen; Li, Hongwen; He, Jin; Wang, Qingjie; Wei, Xuyang; Wang, Xiuhong; Jiang, Shan; Xu, Jing; He, Dong; Li, Yunxiang
• Is Part Of: Biosystems engineering. Volume 226(2023)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 15
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Ellipsoid -- Wheat seed -- Discrete element simulation -- Natural packing -- Seed metering; Bioengineering -- Periodicals; Agricultural engineering -- Periodicals; Biological systems -- Periodicals; Génie rural -- Périodiques; Systèmes biologiques -- Périodiques; 631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2022.12.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1537-5110

Abstract

Abstract : In the discrete element simulation of wheat seeds, the seed shape is the key factor affecting simulation accuracy. To accurately simulate the movement process of wheat seeds, an ellipsoid modelling method was proposed. The structural parameters, motion equations and contact judgment methods used in wheat seed modelling were described, in combination with its structural dimensions of the wheat seeds. To verify the feasibility of ellipsoid modelling in wheat seed simulation, the ellipsoid and two multi-sphere modelling resolutions (9-sphere and 3-sphere) were used to simulate the natural packing and seed metering process of wheat seeds, and the test benches for natural packing and seed metering were built. The results of simulation and bench test were compared and analysed. The results indicated that the ellipsoid model was more accurate and robust than the multi-sphere model. The simulation time of ellipsoid modelling resolution was almost the same as that of 3-sphere modelling resolution, but much smaller than that of 9-sphere modelling resolution. The ellipsoid modelling resolution can not only ensure the accuracy, but also shorten the calculation time, which solves the balance problem between the simulation accuracy and the calculation time of the multi-sphere modelling method. Therefore, the ellipsoid modelling method provides a new discrete element method for wheat seed simulation. Highlights: The ellipsoid modelling method is used to simulate wheat seeds. Natural packing and seed metering process of wheat seeds are analysed by DEM. Ellipsoids are more accurate and robust than multi-spheres for wheat seeds.