Modeling of different subsoiler tines performance using discrete element method

For designing tillage implements it would be better to estimate soil forces exerted to the implements. Many researches showed that numerical method of discrete element method (DEM) is the cheapest and fastest technique for modeling granular material such as soil and especially sandy soil. In this study, paraplow and bentleg tines performance was compared with conventional tine using experimental and numerical methods. Experiments were conducted in a soil bin at Agricultural Machinery department of Urmia University based on factorial experimental design with three replications. Three types of tine at 5 levels of travel speed of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 km/h at constant depth of 35 cm were examined. Before modeling to calibrate DEM parameters, soil parameters were calibrated by shear test simulation. Then tine and soil bin with certain dimension were modeled by PFC3D software. Results of analysis of variance and mean comparison showed that tine type and travel speed had significant effect on draft force. Bentleg tine had the lowest draft in comparison to the other tines, while the conventional tine had the highest.