Soil-Plow Interaction in Paddy Soil: Discrete Element Method (DEM) Simulation of Mouldboard Plow Under Varying Working Speeds and Depths

Irshad Ali Mari; Sher Ali Shaikh; Sheeraz Aleem Brohi; Farman Ali  Chandio

Soil-Plow Interaction in Paddy Soil

Discrete Element Method (DEM) Simulation of Mouldboard Plow Under Varying Working Speeds and Depths

Authors

Irshad Ali Mari Associate Professor, Department of Fram Power and Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Sher Ali Shaikh Assistant Professor, Department of Fram Power and Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Sheeraz Aleem Brohi Lecturer, Department of Enegy and Enviroment, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.
Farman Ali Chandio Professor, Department of Fram Power and Machinery, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Pakistan.

Keywords:

DEM Simulation, mouldboard plow, working speed, Three-dimensional forces, Soil bin, paddy soil

Abstract

Experiments were conducted on simulation of Discrete Element Method (DEM) to assess the performance of a moldboard plow in paddy soil, highlighting the limited understanding of complex three-dimensional forces involved in its interaction with soil during 2022-23. Three velocities 1 (S1), 1.5 (S2), and 2 (S3) m.s-1, along with depths of 5 (D1), 10 (D2), and 15 (D3) cm were used. The Hertz-Mindlin bonding contact model established bonding characteristics among soil particles. The study employed a 3×3 factorial design with three replications for each treatment combination and Two-way ANOVA was performed. Findings revealed the highest force (1828.44 N), denoted as draft force, at S3D3, while the lowest force (88.41 N) was observed at S1D1 for side force. Results indicate that draft forces increase with depth, with greater forces at deeper levels. The impact of speed was lowest at depth D3 and highest at D1 for draft force. A linear relationship between working speeds and depths was consistently observed. The minimum error percentage between simulation and experimental results was 9.444% for S3D3 under draft force. It was concluded that the DEM model can predict cutting forces exerted by a moldboard plow in all directions, including draft, vertical and side forces. Based on these findings, operating the moldboard plow at moderate speeds (1.5 m/s) and depths between 10-15 cm is recommended for optimal performance in paddy soil conditions. Future validation of DEM simulations across varying soil types and moisture contents is recommended for developing comprehensive operational guidelines.

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Soil-Plow Interaction in Paddy Soil