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Discrete element modelling (DEM) is widely regarded as one of the most effective methods for simulating the soil-to-tool interaction. Discrete element simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance of mouldboard plough in paddy soil. The Hertz-Mindlin bonding contact model was applied to develop the bonding between soil particles. Maximum soil draught force (3.64 N) was obtained at 15 cm depth. The force decreased from 1.98 to 1.10 N as the depth decreased from 10 cm to 5 cm. From the results, the DEM have the potential to predict cutting forces of mouldboard plough in all direction draught, vertical and side (Fx, Fy and Fz. A linear relationship was observed throughout the simulation process between working depths. It is concluded that the EDEM model has the potential to serve as a reliable tool for determining the soil-tool interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For granular materials, discrete element modeling is one of the best computer tools to simulate their behavior and interactions. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of disc furrow openers in paddy soil. Discrete element simulation was done to develop a 3D DEM model for notched, toothed and double disc furrow openers using EDEM software. Hertz Mindlin contact model with bonding was applied for simulation to fulfill the obligations of the soil moisture and bonding between the cohesive particles. Simulated and field experimental data were compared to determine the applicability in the different working conditions. The results of the simulation validated the applicability of the Hertz-Mindlin contact model with bonding to simulate the no till paddy soil using an extremely narrow tillage tool. The calibrated value of normal and shear stiffness was 5x107 N/m, and the calibrated value of bond normal and shear strength was 3x107 Pa. The relative error (-1.7% to 20.6%) for the double disc furrow opener was lower as compared with that notch typed (29.2% to 44.4%) and toothed type (31.5% to 45.9%) furrow openers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Soil-grouser interaction was successfully modeled by DEM with Hertz Mindlin contact. • The maximum tractive force observed for 45 mm height grouser with moist (21.5%) soil. • Experimental results agreed with the simulation at relative error 10.09%. The soil-tool interaction can effectively be modeled with discrete element method (DEM) when a proper contact model and DEM parameters are applied. The interaction of a single grouser shoe with clay loam terrain at varying moisture content was simulated using the discrete element approach. The study was consisted of three soil moisture contents which were dry (7.5%), moist (21.5%), and wet (38%) by dry weight basis with a single grouser shoe model with three grouser heights 60, 55, and 45 mm respectively. The simulation was performed by using EDEM 2018 software, and the contact model was Hertz Mindlin. The DEM parameters were calibrated for each moisture content after trials, and to validate the DEM simulation, soil-bin experiments were carried out. The DEM model has captured the actual conditions of soil particle collection and transportation. The maximum tractive force was generated at the interface of 45 mm height grouser with moist (21.5%) soil level. The simulation and experimental results were compared to determine the accuracy of the contact model. The minimum error (10.09%) was found for moist soil with 45 mm grouser height between simulated and experimental results. It was concluded that the developed DEM model is substantial and can be used to analyze the soil-track contact mechanism and the true shear condition between the single grouser shoe and the soil at higher moisture contents were obtained by DEM simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]