Comparative studies of physical models of soil implemented by the method of discrete elements (DEM) on the example of a simple loosening tillage tool

Abstract A brief review of the methods used to simulate the interaction of soil-tillage tool is given. The EDEM Academic program was used to practically test the possibilities of using the discrete element method (DEM). A brief description of the physical models of this application used to simulate the interaction of the soil-tillage tool is given. To evaluate the selected physical models (Hertz-Mindlin, Hertz-Mindlin JKR, Hysteretic Spring), a virtual soil channel and a model of a simple tillage tool of rectangular shape have been created. The basic parameters of the soil channel, discrete particles and physical models are described. As a result of the research, two components of the traction resistance vector were obtained, the longitudinal component X and the vertical component Z. Data analysis showed that the average values of forces calculated using physical models of Hysteretic Spring and Hertz-Mindlin JKR differ slightly. With a particle radius of 10 mm, they are equal to X – 597 and 592H; Z – 111 and 97H, respectively. More significant differences when comparing these models with the base model Hertz-Mindlin. For example, in comparison with the physical model of the Hysteretic Spring, the component forces X and Z are less than 18.1%. This is due to the introduction of additional forces imitating the adhesion of particles.