Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method

Returning pruned branches into the field is a key procedure in kiwifruit cultivation. It utilizes discarded branches and aids in orchard management. Shearing and bending behaviors dominate the mechanized process of branch return; however, current research lacks appropriate modeling methods for these...

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Main Authors: Hongbo Zhao, Zhiqi Zheng, Ruihong Tan, Wenzheng Liu, Zhiqiang Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Applied Sciences
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/23/10920
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author Hongbo Zhao
Zhiqi Zheng
Ruihong Tan
Wenzheng Liu
Zhiqiang Zhang
author_facet Hongbo Zhao
Zhiqi Zheng
Ruihong Tan
Wenzheng Liu
Zhiqiang Zhang
author_sort Hongbo Zhao
collection DOAJ
description Returning pruned branches into the field is a key procedure in kiwifruit cultivation. It utilizes discarded branches and aids in orchard management. Shearing and bending behaviors dominate the mechanized process of branch return; however, current research lacks appropriate modeling methods for these processes. In this study, we developed a discrete element method (DEM) model to simulate the shearing and bending behaviors of kiwifruit branches. Initially, laboratory experiments determined the shear strength and elastic modulus of branch samples to be 31.38 MPa and 1.21 GPa, respectively. An annular kiwifruit branch DEM model was constructed. A Plackett–Burman design test identified significant influencing factors: effective modulus of bond, bond cohesion, effective modulus between ball and wall, and the normal-to-shear stiffness ratio. Utilizing the response surface method, we derived relationships between DEM parameters and mechanical responses. Optimal parameter combinations were found: an effective modulus of bond at 2.2 × 10<sup>9</sup> Pa, bond cohesion at 2.56 × 10<sup>8</sup> Pa, effective modulus between ball and wall at 1.27 × 10<sup>8</sup> Pa, and a normal-to-shear stiffness ratio of 1.16. Finally, simulations of the shearing and bending processes were conducted. The optimal parameter combination was verified with a relative error of 4.5%. Displacement–force curves showed general consistency, indicating reliability in the modeling approach.
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spelling doaj-art-cac5ef888e1444ad8e9da5b582bf75fd2024-12-13T16:22:11ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-11-0114231092010.3390/app142310920Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element MethodHongbo Zhao0Zhiqi Zheng1Ruihong Tan2Wenzheng Liu3Zhiqiang Zhang4College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, ChinaCollege of Enology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Xianyang 712100, ChinaReturning pruned branches into the field is a key procedure in kiwifruit cultivation. It utilizes discarded branches and aids in orchard management. Shearing and bending behaviors dominate the mechanized process of branch return; however, current research lacks appropriate modeling methods for these processes. In this study, we developed a discrete element method (DEM) model to simulate the shearing and bending behaviors of kiwifruit branches. Initially, laboratory experiments determined the shear strength and elastic modulus of branch samples to be 31.38 MPa and 1.21 GPa, respectively. An annular kiwifruit branch DEM model was constructed. A Plackett–Burman design test identified significant influencing factors: effective modulus of bond, bond cohesion, effective modulus between ball and wall, and the normal-to-shear stiffness ratio. Utilizing the response surface method, we derived relationships between DEM parameters and mechanical responses. Optimal parameter combinations were found: an effective modulus of bond at 2.2 × 10<sup>9</sup> Pa, bond cohesion at 2.56 × 10<sup>8</sup> Pa, effective modulus between ball and wall at 1.27 × 10<sup>8</sup> Pa, and a normal-to-shear stiffness ratio of 1.16. Finally, simulations of the shearing and bending processes were conducted. The optimal parameter combination was verified with a relative error of 4.5%. Displacement–force curves showed general consistency, indicating reliability in the modeling approach.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/23/10920kiwifruit branchDEMshearing testthree-point bend testparameter calibration
spellingShingle Hongbo Zhao
Zhiqi Zheng
Ruihong Tan
Wenzheng Liu
Zhiqiang Zhang
Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method
Applied Sciences
kiwifruit branch
DEM
shearing test
three-point bend test
parameter calibration
title Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method
title_full Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method
title_fullStr Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method
title_full_unstemmed Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method
title_short Modeling Shearing and Bending Behavior of Kiwifruit Branches Using the Discrete Element Method
title_sort modeling shearing and bending behavior of kiwifruit branches using the discrete element method
topic kiwifruit branch
DEM
shearing test
three-point bend test
parameter calibration
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/23/10920
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