Discrete element modeling of vibrating tillage tools

Abstract

Purpose

The analysis of the effect of tool vibrations on the measured and simulated draught forces of cultivator tools. This paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Soil bin measurements and discrete element method (DEM)-based simulations.

Findings

The soil-tool interaction induced free vibrations of cultivator tools have significant impact on the measured draught force, and the simulations made by using vibrating tools give similar results.

Research limitations/implications

Accurate calibration of discrete element model parameters can be done based on the reproduction of the whole Mohr-Coulomb failure line. Draught force ratio – velocity ratio values seem to be independent of tool geometry and soil conditions in case of velocity ratio higher than 2.

Practical implications

DEM-based numerical simulations can be used for modeling the effect of tool vibration on the draught force values. During discrete element simulations of soil-tool interaction, the effect of tool vibration may not be neglected.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that during the discrete element modelling of the soil-tool interaction, the tool vibration phenomenon should not be neglected.

Citation

Keppler, I., Hudoba, Z., Oldal, I., Csatar, A. and Fenyvesi, L. (2015), "Discrete element modeling of vibrating tillage tools", Engineering Computations, Vol. 32 No. 2, pp. 308-328. https://doi.org/10.1108/EC-10-2013-0257