Calibration of the Discrete Element Method Parameters in Living Juvenile Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) and Seeding Verification

Hangqi Li,Qian Zhang,Guochen Zhang,Xiuchen Li,Gang Mu,Hanbing Zhang,Wenbo Liu

doi:10.3390/agriengineering3040056

Abstract

The Manila Clam is an important economic shellfish in China’s seafood industry. In order to improve the design of juvenile Manila Clam seeding equipment, a juvenile clam discrete element method (DEM) particle shape was established, which is based on 3D scanning and EDEM software. The DEM contact parameters of clam-stainless steel, and clam-acrylic were calibrated by combining direct measurements and test simulations (slope sliding and dropping). Then, clam DEM simulation and realistic seeding tests were carried out on a seeding wheel at different rotational speeds. The accuracy of the calibrated clam DEM model was evaluated in a clam seeding verification test by comparing the average error of the variation coefficient between the realistic and simulated seeding tests. The results showed that: (a) the static friction coefficients of clam-acrylic and clam-stainless steel were 0.31 and 0.23, respectively; (b) the restitution coefficients of clam-clam, clam-acrylic, and clam-stainless steel were 0.32, 0.48, and 0.32, respectively. Furthermore, the results of the static repose angle from response surface tests showed that when the contact wall was acrylic, the coefficient rolling friction and static friction of clam-clam were 0.17 and 1.12, respectively, and the coefficient rolling friction of clam-acrylic was 0.20. When the contact wall was formed of stainless steel, the coefficient rolling friction and static friction of clam-clam were 0.33 and 1.25, respectively, and the coefficient rolling friction of clam-stainless steel was 0.20. The results of the verification test showed that the average error between the realistic and simulated value was <5.00%. Following up from these results, the clam DEM model was applied in a clam seeding simulation.

Highlights

Introduction published maps and institutional affilThe Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is one of the most important farmed shellfish in China and has high economic benefit
The calibration object was a 15–20 mm long clam used for seeding in the shellfish farm area of Dandong City, Liaoning Province, China
According to the seeding equipment design requirements, 5 mm thick acrylic and stainless steel plates were selected as the contact wall materials

Summary

Introduction

The Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) is one of the most important farmed shellfish in China and has high economic benefit. The seeding quality of juvenile Manila Clams (clam) is an important factor affecting production. Artificial seeding is the foremost clam seeding method and has the problems of high labor intensity, uneven seeding, and considerable product damage [2]. The clams’ mechanized seeding can reduce farming costs and increase economic returns. There is no mechanized clam seeding equipment on the market at the moment. The development of mechanized seeding equipment is imperative

Methods

Results

Conclusion