Performance analysis and parameter optimization of peanut digging shovel operation based on discrete element analysis

Digging is the primary process of peanut harvesting. The setting of the operating parameters of peanut digging shovel as a digging tool will greatly influence the resistance and blade wear during peanut digging operation. In this paper, the trapezoidal symmetrical digging shovel is taken as the research object. An interaction model of shovel-soil-root system is established by discrete element software. The working process of peanut digging shovel is simulated by Hertz-mindlin with JKR contact model and Archard Wear model. The test results are analyzed by Design-Expert. The influence of working parameters such as penetration angle, digging depth, working speed and sliding angle on the working resistance and wear of the digging shovel was explored, and the optimal working parameter combination of the peanut digging shovel was determined. When the digging depth is 10 cm, the digging resistance will reach a minimum value within a working speed of 0.86 m /s, a penetration angle of 24.95 degree and a sliding angle of 42.36 degree. At the same depth of 10 cm, the digging shovel wear will reach a minimum value within a working speed of 0.80 m / s, a penetration angle of 24 degree and a sliding angle of 44 degree. Finally, by comparing the variation trend of the working resistance results obtained by the simulation and actual test of the digging shovel at different depths of penetration, the effectiveness of the method for analyzing and optimizing the working parameters of the digging shovel is verified.