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Design and Experiment of DEM-Based Layered Cutting–Throwing Perimeter Drainage Ditcher for Rapeseed Fields

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  • Xiaohu Jiang

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Hunan Modern Agricultural Equipment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Zijian Kang

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Mingliang Wu

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Hunan Modern Agricultural Equipment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Zhihao Zhao

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Zhuo Peng

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Yiti Ouyang

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Haifeng Luo

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Hunan Modern Agricultural Equipment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha 410128, China)

  • Wei Quan

    (College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
    Hunan Modern Agricultural Equipment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Changsha 410128, China)

Abstract

To address compacted soils with high power consumption and waterlogging risks in rice–rapeseed rotation areas of the Yangtze River, this study designed a ditching machine combining a stepped cutter head and trapezoidal cleaning blade, where the mechanical synergy between components minimizes energy loss during soil-cutting and -throwing processes. We mathematically modeled soil cutting–throwing dynamics and blade traction forces, integrating soil rheological properties to refine parameter interactions. Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations and single-factor experiments analyzed impacts of the inner/outer blade widths, blade group distance, and blade opening on power consumption. Results indicated that increasing the inner/outer blade widths (200–300 mm) by expanding the direct cutting area significantly reduced the cutter torque by 32% and traction resistance by 48.6% from reduced soil-blockage drag; larger blade group distance (0–300 mm) initially decreased but later increased power consumption due to soil backflow interference, with peak efficiency at 200 mm spacing; the optimal blade opening (586 mm) minimized the soil accumulation-induced power loss, validated by DEM trajectory analysis showing continuous soil flow. Box–Behnken experiments and genetic algorithm optimization determined the optimal parameters: inner blade width: 200 mm; outer blade width: 300 mm; blade group distance: 200 mm; and blade opening: 586 mm, yielding a simulated power consumption of 27.07 kW. Field tests under typical 18.7% soil moisture conditions confirmed a <10% error between simulated and actual power consumption (28.73 kW), with a 17.3 ± 0.5% reduction versus controls. Stability coefficients for the ditch depth, top/bottom widths exceeded 90%, and the backfill rate was 4.5 ± 0.3%, ensuring effective drainage for rapeseed cultivation. This provides practical theoretical and technical support for efficient ditching equipment in rice–rapeseed rotations, enabling resource-saving design for clay loam soils.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaohu Jiang & Zijian Kang & Mingliang Wu & Zhihao Zhao & Zhuo Peng & Yiti Ouyang & Haifeng Luo & Wei Quan, 2025. "Design and Experiment of DEM-Based Layered Cutting–Throwing Perimeter Drainage Ditcher for Rapeseed Fields," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-24, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:15:p:1706-:d:1719806
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhihao Zhao & Mingliang Wu & Xiaohu Jiang, 2024. "A Review of Contact Models’ Properties for Discrete Element Simulation in Agricultural Engineering," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-23, January.
    2. Yi Zeng & Chaopeng Chen & Wei Quan & Shuangpeng Xie & Fanggang Shi & Zitao Ma & Mingliang Wu, 2023. "Calibration Parameter of Soil Discrete Element Based on Area Difference Method," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Jin Zhang & Min Xia & Wei Chen & Dong Yuan & Chongyou Wu & Jiping Zhu, 2023. "Simulation Analysis and Experiments for Blade-Soil-Straw Interaction under Deep Ploughing Based on the Discrete Element Method," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-20, January.
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