Analysis of Rice Seeds Motion on Vibrating Plate Using EDEM

Abstract:

Rice seeds motion on a vibrating plate was simulated using discrete element method software EDEM. The mechanical interaction forces, both between seed and the plate and among the seeds were modeled by Hertz-Mindlin (no slip). With the variation of vibration frequency, amplitude and seeds initial thickness, their effects on the seeds spatial distribution were analyzed. The simulation area was divided into uniform layers in vertical direction and the seeds spatial distribution in layers at different time was obtained. The simulation results showed that with the plate vibration frequency of 11~12Hz, vibration amplitude of 12~13mm and seeds initial layer number of 3~5, the ideal seeds spatial distribution which was beneficial to improve suction precision could be received. Plate vibration frequency, vibration amplitude, seeds initial thickness and sucking distance were selected as influencing factors, then orthogonal experiments were carried out on test-rig and results indicated that the precision suction ratio was greater than 93% with the plate vibration frequency of 11Hz, vibration amplitude of 12mm and seeds initial layer number of 4.