Effects of Bionic Curves on Penetration Force under Difference Soils

Abstract

Soil penetration is the most important process during soil tilling. To optimize the soil penetration process, six specimens were designed and fabricated based on the badger teeth outlines. Both experimental investigation and numerical analysis were conducted with three types of soil. Results showed the specimen C, B, and D got the lowest penetration force and reduced the force by 26.15%, 22.68%, and 25.86% compared with that of specimen A under soil 1, soil 2, and soil 3, respectively. Depth-force curve analysis showed that the bionic specimens can slow down the force increase rate by reducing the coefficient of the force-depth curve equations. The bionic specimens obtained a lower increase of internal friction angle and cohesion after penetration, indicating the soil strength after penetration was lower. Furthermore, the rise in soil surface was observed after the penetration, and the penetration with the bionic specimens got a higher rise. Simulation analysis showed that the mechanism for the force reduction was because the force direction was changed, which brought a better flowability and less strength for the soil. It concludes that the badger teeth outlines reduce the penetration force by changing the force directions and optimizing the soil properties. Based on research results, the optimal bionic curve for penetration in different types of soil was determined.

Biomimetic Design of Soil-Engaging Components: A Review

“…It is noteworthy that badger teeth are extremely hard, sharp, and also have excellent cutting capabilities [ 46 ]. Ma et al [ 47 ] studied the process of badger teeth penetrating into the soil, as shown in Figure 3 d. The simulation results demonstrated that ABS-material bionic specimens designed with the badger canine outlines could change the force direction, thereby reducing the penetration resistance. Consequently, it is worth trying to use badger teeth as bionic prototypes to design low-resistance soil-engaging components.…”

“… Low-resistance soil-engaging components inspired by badge claw toe/canine. ( a ) Bionic cutter teeth [ 10 ], ( b ) bionic shovel and bionic liquid fertilizer deep application spray needle [ 43 , 44 ], ( c ) biomimetic core-share furrow opener [ 48 ], ( d ) bionic curves specimens for test soil penetration resistance [ 47 ]. …”

“…Research indicates that the two-dimensional outlines of claws and toes across various animals, including mole crickets, moles, badgers, and bears, exhibit relatively similar curvature change patterns. Specifically, these profiles typically feature a larger curvature at the tip and smoother curvature changes towards the middle, aiding in soil penetration and fragmentation [ 47 , 164 ].…”

“…However, these studies are mostly oriented to experimental results, and there is limited research on the mechanism of draught reduction in these biological contours and surfaces, which still has great research prospects. [10], (b) bionic shovel and bionic liquid fertilizer deep application spray needle [43,44], (c) biomimetic core-share furrow opener [48], (d) bionic curves specimens for test soil penetration resistance [47]. Fish usually have streamlined bodies, which allows them to reduce drag force more effectively in the water.…”

“…Although water and soil are two completely different environments, imitating their contours or surface microstructures has proven to be an effective method for studying soil-engaging components. [10], (b) bionic shovel and bionic liquid fertilizer deep application spray needle [43,44], (c) biomimetic core-share furrow opener [48], (d) bionic curves specimens for test soil penetration resistance [47]. [10], (b) bionic shovel and bionic liquid fertilizer deep application spray needle [43,44], (c) biomimetic core-share furrow opener [48], (d) bionic curves specimens for test soil penetration resistance [47].…”