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Euryale ferox was chosen for this study to examine its mechanical properties during chewing. Experiments and the discrete element method were used to conduct the study. Initially, the intrinsic and contact parameters of E. ferox were established through physical tests. The maximum compressive force of breakage and chewing mechanical properties (hardness, springiness, and chewiness) were measured using a texture profile analyzer (TPA). A Hertz–Mindlin with bonding model of the E. ferox was constructed. Optimal values for significant factors, including the normal stiffness per unit area, shear stiffness per unit area, and bonding radius, were obtained through single‐factor, Plackett–Burman, steepest ascent, and Box–Behnken response surface tests, with the maximum compressive force as the index. Under optimal parameter combination conditions, the relative error between the simulated and experimental values of the maximum compressive force was 0.79%, and the relative errors between the simulated and TPA test values of all indicators were less than 5.65%. This study provides a valuable reference for simulating the textural characteristics of agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The densified powder material is convenient for storage and transportation, with broad market application prospects. In this study, the discrete element model parameters required for simulating gluten densification were calibrated using the Hertz–Mindlin with JKR contact model. Initially, physical testing techniques were utilized to assess the size distribution, density, and angle of repose (AoR) of gluten particles. Following this, the Plackett–Burman test, the steepest ascent test, and the Box–Behnken test were conducted, and the significant factors were obtained: The coefficient of rolling friction (P–P) was 1.038, the coefficient of static friction (P–P) was 0.071, and the surface energy (P–P) was 0.047. Finally, the AoR and densification simulations were performed under the optimal parameter combination, along with validation tests. The results showed that the relative error between the simulated and tested AoR was 0.52%. The compression ratio and compression force curves of simulated and actual were similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To quickly calibrate the discrete element parameters (DEP) of pellets with different moisture content (MC), the angle of repose (AoR) was taken as the target value to conduct experimental and simulation research on gluten pellets. The experimental method obtained the intrinsic parameters, contact parameters, and AoR of pellets with different moisture content. The parameters differed significantly under different moisture content (p < 0.05). The AoR‐MC model (R2 = 0.987) was established. The Plackett–Burman test, steepest ascent test, and center compound test were carried out to establish the AoR‐DEP model (R2 = 0.969) with a relative error less than or equal to 2.07%. The MC‐DEP model was derived, and verified by the side plate lifting method with a relative error less than or equal to 2.58%. This paper provides a new method for calibrating DEP under different moisture content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discrete element method (DEM) simulation is widely used to calculate the flow characteristics of particles under certain conditions. DEM input parameters are the prerequisite for the accurate modeling and simulation of particles. In order to explore the mechanical properties and breaking behavior of gluten pellets, the pellet material property, the interaction parameters of pellet–stainless steel and pellet–pellet (multi-spheres autofill model), and the bonding parameters (bonded particle model) were calibrated by experiments and simulations. The relative error of the angle of repose, the breaking displacement, and the breaking force between simulated and experimental values were 0.28%, 0.66%, and 1.09%, respectively. Based on the regression analysis in the Design-Expert 12.0 software, the relationships among evaluating indicators (angle of repose, breaking displacement, and breaking force) and their corresponding influencing factors were established, respectively. Meanwhile, the feasibility of applying the interaction parameters of the multi-spheres autofill model to the bonded particle model was verified through the free fall test, the inclined plane sliding test, and the inclined plane tumbling time test. This work can provide a reference for the design of pellet feed processing and transportation machinery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]