Optimization and Verification of the Spreading Performance of a Pneumatic Pond Feeder Using a Coupled CFD–DEM Approach

As a key device for precise feeding in aquaculture, feeders directly affect feed utilization efficiency and farming profitability; however, pneumatic pond feeders commonly exhibit poor spreading uniformity and low feed utilization. In this study, a dual-sided air intake structure incorporating a triangular flow-splitter plate was added inside the feed chamber, and the spreading process was simulated using a coupled computational fluid dynamics–discrete element method approach to analyze the motion mechanisms of feed pellets within the feeding device. A rotatable orthogonal composite experimental design was employed for the multiparameter collaborative optimization of the feed chamber height (h), the triangular flow-splitter plate width (d), and its inlet angle (α). The results demonstrated that the triangular flow-splitter plate renders the velocity field within the device chamber more uniform and reduces the coefficient of variation (CV) of circumferential pellet distribution to 18.27%, a 22.19% decrease relative to the unmodified design. Experimental validation using the optimal parameter combination confirmed a mean CV of 17.02%, representing a 24.45% reduction compared with the original structure. This study provides a theoretical foundation and reliable technical solution for precise feeding equipment in aquaculture.