Prediction method for maize kernel impact breakage based on high-speed camera and FEM

Processes such as threshing and processing determine the subsequent storage, nutritional value, and economic value of maize kernels. The breakage characteristics of maize kernels in threshing and processing machinery are unknown, which greatly limits the need for new developments in low-loss threshing. In this paper, the breakage characteristics of maize kernels under different impact postures and impact velocities were investigated by a combination of FEM and bench tests. The results showed that the breakage evolution rules of kernel breakage modes were the result of stress concentration and energy conversion. The maize kernel with side posture had the smallest critical breakage velocity of 22.5 m/s for breaking into pieces. A breakage probability model for predicting the degree of maize kernel breakage was proposed, and the energy and velocity thresholds provided a method for the digital design of breakage reduction performance of maize threshing machinery and detection performance of impact breakage machinery.