An experimental and finite element analysis of the characteristics of soybean grain compression damage

Abstract

AbstractDuring mechanized harvesting, the compression of soybean grains is the main form of crushing caused by the interaction between the operating components and the soybean grains; the resulting damage characteristics of the grains are not well understood. Using Zhengdou 1307 as test materials, the characteristics of stress distributions under different moisture contents soybean grains in the horizontal, lateral, and vertical positions were measured and analyzed, the process of compressive damage was observed, and the damage characteristics due to compression forces were obtained. The test results show that the forced form and compressive displacement of a soybean grain is related to the magnitude of the compressive force, and the location of the stress concentration moves toward the contact, as the contact area decreases, breaking force decreases with increasing moisture content. The grain is subjected to the highest pressure when placed flat, and cracks along the vertical line of the hilum upon rupture. When placed laterally and vertically, the damage to the grain due to a compressive force is mainly from the separation of the two cotyledons.Practical applicationsThe crushing rate is an important indicator to measure the harvest quality of the soybean combine. The mechanical properties of soybean grains are an important factor affecting the crushing rate. In the process of mechanized soybean harvesting, the compression of soybean grains is the main form of crushing caused by the interaction between working parts and soybean grains, but the characteristics of soybean grains damaged by compression are not clear. This study provides a reference for the analysis of soybean damage during the harvesting, transporting, storing, and other stages by studying the damage characteristics of soybean grains, and provides certain ideas for the study of other grain damage characteristics.