Numerical Optimization of Root Blanket-Cutting Device for Rice Blanket Seedling Cutting and Throwing Transplanter Based on DEM-MBD

Xuan Jia, Shuaihua Hao, Jinyu Song, Cailing Liu (), Xiaopei Zheng, Licai Chen, Chengtian Zhu, Jitong Xu and Jianjun Liu ()
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Xuan Jia: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Shuaihua Hao: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Jinyu Song: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Cailing Liu: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Xiaopei Zheng: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Licai Chen: Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Jiangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanchang 330200, China
Chengtian Zhu: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Jitong Xu: College of Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
Jianjun Liu: School of Engineering Technology, Baoshan University, Baoshan 678000, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-35

Abstract: To solve the problems of large root damage and incomplete seedling blocks (SBs) in rice machine transplanting, this study numerically optimized the root blanket-cutting device for rice blanket seedling cutting and throwing transplanters based on the discrete element method (DEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) coupling method. A longitudinal sliding cutter (LSC)–substrate–root interaction model was established. Based on the simulation tests of Center Composite Design and response surface analysis, the sliding angle and cutter shaft speed of the LSCs arranged at the circumferential angles (CAs) of 0°, 30°, and 60° were optimized. The simulation results indicated that the LSC arrangement CA significantly affected the cutting performance, with the optimal configuration achieved at a CA of 60°. Under the optimal parameters (sliding angle of 57°, cutter shaft speed of 65.3 r/min), the average deviation between the simulated and physical tests was less than 11%, and the reliability of the parameters was verified. A seedling needle–substrate–root interaction model was established. The Box–Behnken Design method was applied to conduct simulation tests and response surface optimization, focusing on the picking angle, needle width, and rotary gearbox speed. The simulation results showed that the picking angle was the key influencing factor. Under the optimal parameters (picking angle of 20°, seedling needle width of 15 mm, rotary gearbox speed of 209 r/min), the average deviation between the simulated and physical tests was less than 10%, which met the design requirements. This study provides a new solution for reducing root injury, improving SB integrity, and reducing energy consumption in rice transplanting, and provides theoretical and technical references for optimizing transplanting machinery structure and selecting working parameters.

Keywords: rice root blanket; flexible complex; longitudinal cutting; lateral cutting; DEM-MBD (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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