Calibration of Discrete Element Parameters of Maize Root and Its Mixture with Soil

Abstract

Discrete element simulation is an effective method to reveal the interaction between tillage components and work objects. However, due to the lack of discrete element modelling parameters of maize root and its mixture with soil, existing tillage models cannot accurately simulate the farmland environment under a no-tillage system. This study developed single maize root (SMR) with different diameters and maize root-soil mixture (MRSM) DEM models based on calibrated parameters through the angle of repose (AOR) tests. First, the Plackett–Burman and the steepest climb tests were performed to identify the range of essential parameters for the AOR of the SMR. Then, the optimal parameters for the SMR and MRSR models were obtained by Box–Behnken design (BBD) testing. The results showed that the static friction coefficient of SMR-SMR and the rolling friction coefficient of SMR-SMR and SMR-steel significantly affected the AOR. In addition, the AOR of MRSM was extremely sensitive to the restitution coefficient and surface energy coefficient of root soil. Based on optimal parameters, the relative errors between the simulated and measured AOR and pixel peak values of the piles’ contour curve were less than 5% for SMR and MRSM. The error of the dynamic AOR of the measured and simulated MSRM was less than 10%. These results indicate that the parameter calibration method and the developed models can be valuable references for DEM simulation for maize stubble and tillage.