Simulation of the process of interaction of the working bodies of tillage machines with the soil in Simcenter STAR-CCM+

Abstract

To study the process of interaction between the working bodies of soil tillage machines and the soil, it is necessary to create a physical and mathematical model of the environment that reflects the physical and mechanical properties of the real soil as accurately as possible. The existing analytical models are used separately from each other, which leads only to a one-sided consideration of the scientific and technical problem. Today, it is quite difficult for agricultural engineers to investigate the process of interaction of tillage working bodies with the soil during the design of new structures due to the lack of simple analytical physical and mathematical models. In order to simplify these calculations within the framework of agricultural machinery engineering, it is necessary to use software that will combine the achievements of agricultural mechanics. The goal is to simulate and study the process of interaction of tillage working bodies with the soil using Simcenter STAR-CCM+. In the course of the study, the interaction process of the most common tillage working bodies, such as a cultivator’s arrow foot, a disc harrow on an elastic rack, a deep loosener (chisel plow), a flail plow and a smooth roller, was simulated using volume of fluid (VOF) and discrete element methods. (DEM). The application of the VOF method allows to determine the non-primary flow of the soil relative to the working body, and the DEM method allows to determine the distribution of velocities and interaction forces of soil particles. With the help of Simcenter STAR-CCM+, it is possible to visualize the interaction process and determine the height of the ridges formed and the depth of the furrows and their location in space