Evaluation of the Influence of the Discrete Elements’ Shape on the Results of Soil Modelling

Computer modelling of soil media based on the discrete elements’ method for studying their interaction with working tools and travel systems of agricultural machinery is the modern way for optimizing the parameters of agricultural machinery. The research aims to assess the effect of particle size and shape on the results of the contact model’s physical and mechanical calibration parameters during soil modelling based on the discrete elements’ method. The paper presents the results of the basic physical and mechanical parameters calibration of the soil pattern modelled by discrete elements in the form of polyhedra. The parameters of the simulated particles such as surface energy, equivalent diameter and the number of discrete particles’ faces have been taken as the studied factors. Calibration was performed according to the natural slope angle. Comparison of the modelling results and experimental soil studies allowed assessing the significance of the selected factors and their impact on the draught resistance of tillage working tools.