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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]

A knowledge-based fuzzy logic model was developed on experimental data and used to predict the draft, side and vertical forces and soil disturbance area by disc tillage tool operation. The laboratory research work was conducted to evaluate the performance of the disc tool at three working speeds (1.25 m/s, 1.98 m/s and 2.47 m/s, respectively) and depths (0-5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10-15 cm, respectively) on paddy soil under soil-bin environment. Further, draft (Fx), side (Fz) and vertical (Fy) forces of disc and soil disturbance area were assessed and predicted towards working speeds and depths. A fuzzy prediction model with two input variables (speed and depth) and four output variables was developed and the Mamdani inference approach was used. Draft, side and vertical forces of disc and soil disturbance area were positively responded 0.97, 0.95 and 0.84 and 0.99, respectively. The prediction results showed a close relationship between measured and predicted data. Similarly, the measured and predicted results revealed that the draft, side, vertical forces, and soil disturbance area slightly increased, while increasing the speed and depth of the disc tool. Furthermore, disc forces and soil disturbed area were highly significant (p<0.05) for higher speed towards depth. It was concluded that the fuzzy model may be introduced for predicting the disc forces and soil disturbance area during the disc tillage tool operation with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]