Parameter Optimization for a Potato Rod-type Conveyor Grading Device Based on the Discrete Element Method

Existing field potato grading devices are complex in structure and large in volume, designing a rod-type conveyor grading device. Relying on field measurement, size and field distribution laws of mature potatoes are obtained and their field distribution is modelled. Moreover, the conveyor grading de...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xing Liu, Kezhou Chen, Xun Wang, Xin He, Wei Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Slavonski Brod, Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Osijek, Faculty of Civil Engineering in Osijek 2022-01-01
Series:Tehnički Vjesnik
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hrcak.srce.hr/file/404851
Description
Summary:Existing field potato grading devices are complex in structure and large in volume, designing a rod-type conveyor grading device. Relying on field measurement, size and field distribution laws of mature potatoes are obtained and their field distribution is modelled. Moreover, the conveyor grading device model is established using the discrete element method (EDEM). The single-factor test and multi-factor test adopting one evaluation index (grading accuracy) and four test factors (conveyor chain elevation angle, conveyor chain speed, rod clearance, and potato feed rate) were conducted. Finally, the effects of various test factors on the evaluation index are analyzed and test factors are optimized. According to the results of this study, the rod-type conveyor grading device had a grading accuracy of 93.32%. The relative error between experimental validation and simulation results was less than 8%, suggesting that the regressive mathematical model proposed in this paper and the optimization results obtained were reasonable.
ISSN:1330-3651
1848-6339