Numerical simulation and parameter optimization of earth auger in hilly area using EDEM software

Abstract

Digging in hilly regions is an important measure to promote afforestation on difficult sites. In view of the working conditions to build fish-scale pit on slope, the auger mechanism of soil lifting and throwing was investigated in this study. This study utilized EDEM software to establish the operation model of the earth auger and conduct DEM (Discrete Element Method) virtual simulation experiments. A quadratic rotating orthogonal center combination test was implemented by setting the efficiency of conveying-soil (Y1) and the distance of throwing-soil (Y2) as the evaluation indices. Variance analysis and response surface optimization were performed on the virtual experimental data. The results indicated that the weight of the factors affecting the Y1 and Y2, were feeding speed > helix angle > rotating speed > slope angle, and slope auger > rotating speed > feeding speed > helix angle. The optimal parameter combination of each influencing factor was obtained. Among them, when the slope preparation was required, the optimal operating parameter combination of the auger was: Slope of 26.467°, Helix angle of 21.567°, Feeding speed of 0.1 m/s, Rotating speed of 67.408 r/min. This research provides theoretical references for the design optimization of the earth auger in hilly regions.

Effect of grain dissolution on sloping ground

“…4f). The stiffnesses of the contact model and the inter-particle friction were selected based on the literature and the software manual [53][54][55][56] . The sediment consisted of disks that were placed at random locations within the model geometry and allowed to grow to their final target size (i.e., uniform size distribution with R min = 0.4 mm and R max = 0.6 mm).…”

Enhancing Sustainable Afforestation through Innovative Earth Auger Design: A Simulation Study in Hilly Regions

“…When designing and developing equipment for pit digging in hilly and mountainous regions, it is crucial to consider these challenges. This ensures that the equipment is capable of efficient operation and meets safety requirements in these challenging conditions [1][2][3].…”