Vibration regimen of finger-clamped seed-metering device based on DEM-MBD

This study quantifies how vibration affects the singulation performance of a finger-clamped seed-metering device using coupled discrete element method–multibody dynamics (DEM–MBD) simulation and bench validation. Maize kernels were modelled in EDEM, while the metering mechanism and prescribed excitations were represented in RecurDyn. A factorial and Box–Behnken design varied vibration direction, operating speed, frequency, and amplitude; response-surface models were fitted for the qualified index, multiple index, and leakage index. Vertical vibration exerted the dominant influence on discharge behaviour. Under weak excitation (frequency<15.38Hz; amplitude<3.42mm), increasing vibration intensity reduced multiple seeding and improved the qualified index, whereas stronger excitation (frequency>15.38Hz; amplitude>3.42mm) increased leakage and reduced the qualified index, delineating a usable–detrimental vibration regime boundary. Multi-objective optimisation predicted optimal parameters of 8.74km·h⁻¹, 15.38Hz, and 3.42mm, yielding qualified, multiple, and leakage indices of 90.68%, 7.19%, and 7.30%, respectively. Bench tests on a shaker table with high-speed imaging produced 87.61%, 8.03%, and 8.98% under the same settings, in agreement with simulation trends (absolute errors: 2.15%, 0.94%, and 1.34%). The results provide quantitative guidance for vibration management and structural optimisation of finger-clamped metering, showing that appropriately tuned excitation can aid seed clearing and filling, while excessive vibration degrades singulation.