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. 2022 Nov 12;12(1):19415.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-23993-1.

Design and simulation for seeding performance of high-speed inclined corn metering device based on discrete element method (DEM)

Guo Jun  1 , Yang Yue  2 , Muhammad Sohail Memon  3 , Tan Chuang  2 , Wang Linyu  2 , Tang Pei  2
Affiliations

Design and simulation for seeding performance of high-speed inclined corn metering device based on discrete element method (DEM)

Guo Jun et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Mechanical precision corn seed-metering planter has a compact structure, missed and repeated seeding advantages during high-speed operation. In this regard, the current research study focuses on the development of a corn seed planter that features an inclined seed-metering device. The spatial layout of the seed-metering device is optimized to change the seed-filling mode to meet the needs of high-speed operation. Firstly, the mechanical characteristics and seeds in the metering device chamber were analyzed, and then the seed-filling stress model was established. Secondly, a mechanical model for corn seed particles was developed for virtual simulation tests and numerical analysis using the discrete element method (DEM) and EDEM software. Moreover, a quadratic rotating orthogonal center combination test was implemented by setting the inclination angle of seed-metering device θ(A), machine ground speed v(B), and rotation speed of metering disc n(C) as the influence factors, with the missed seeding rate M and the seed-filling stress S as the evaluation indices. The results indicated that the most significant factors affecting the missed seeding rate, seed-filling stress, S, were the rotation speed of the metering disc (n) > machine ground speed (v) > inclination angle of the metering disc (θ) and inclination angle of the metering device (θ) > rotation speed of the metering disc (n) > machine ground speed (v), respectively. However, the field verification test shows that the optimized corn seed-metering planter achieved mean values of M = 4.33, Q(qualified seeding rate) = 92.83%, and R(repeated seeding rate) = 2.84%, with average relative errors of 1.17% compared to the simulation tests and the accuracy and effectiveness of the DEM simulation model was verified. Therefore, the developed corn seed-metering device meets the industry standards and operation requirements for precise corn sowing, and technical support can be given for future studies of similar precision seeding equipment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The overall structure of the corn planter with the inclined seed-metering device. (a) 3D graphic of corn planter; (b) 2D graphic of corn planter.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Structure of inclined seed-metering device.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Working zone of the inclined seed-metering device.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The contrast in seed-filling stress of two kinds of seed-metering devices. (a) Vertical seed-metering device; (b) inclined seed-metering device.
Figure 5
Figure 5
The stress distribution unit of the seed-filling area.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Relational graph about stress with the inclination angle of the metering device.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Simulation model and simulation process.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Showing realistic irregularity of single corn seed particle.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Variable seed motility behavior at various times.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Distribution of corn seeds in the forward direction after simulation.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Field experiment under inclined seed-metering. (a) In-situ operation of the inclined seed-metering device; (b) field view before operation; (c) field condition after operation of the metering device.
Figure 12
Figure 12
Stress changes at different times.
Figure 13
Figure 13
Effect of interaction between factors on missed seeding rate and coefficient of filling stress. (a) Missed seeding rate; (b) seed-filling stress.
Figure 14
Figure 14
Field validation test and seeding effect under field conditions. (a) Inclined seed-metering device; (b) vertical seed-metering device.
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References

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