Parameter Optimization and DEM Simulation of Bionic Sweep with Lower Abrasive Wear Characteristics

Abstract

High wear rates during the tillage process often result in significant financial losses and wasted farming seasons. In this paper, a bionic design was used to reduce tillage wear. Inspired by wear-resistant animals with ribbed structures, the bionic ribbed sweep (BRS) was designed by combining a ribbed unit with a conventional sweep (CS). BRSs with different parameters (width φ, height h, angle θ, and interval λ) were simulated and optimized using the DEM and RSM methods at a working depth of 60 mm to evaluate the magnitude and trends of three responses: tillage resistance (TR), number of contacts between the sweep and soil particles (CNSP), and Archard wear value (AW). The results showed that a protective layer could be created on the surface of the sweep with a ribbed structure to reduce abrasive wear. Analysis of variance proved that factors φ, θ, and λ had significant effects on AW, CNSP, and TR, while factor h was insignificant. An optimal solution was obtained using the desirability method, including 8.88 mm φ, 1.05 mm h, 3.01 mm λ, and 34.46° θ. Wear tests and simulations showed that wear loss could be effectively reduced at different speeds by the optimized BRS. It was found to be feasible to create a protective layer to reduce partial wear by optimizing the parameters of the ribbed unit.

Biomimetic Design of Soil-Engaging Components: A Review

“…The existence of the bionic structure significantly improved the wear resistance. Similarly, Wang et al [ 11 ] designed a biomimetic sweep inspired by the ribbed structures on the surface of the shell and pangolin squama, as shown in Figure 17 . Using DEM and response surface methodology (RSM), the dimensional parameters of the biomimetic sweep exhibiting optimal wear-resistant characteristics were determined.…”

“…These effects de probability and strength of contact between the abrasive material and th resulting in better wear resistance compared to conventional flat surfaces [169] Figure 23. Mechanism of soil particles delamination leading to wear reduction [11].…”

“…Inspired by this, researchers have designed excavation components with low resistance characteristics [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Similarly, the surface structures of organisms like shells, pangolins, and dung beetles have inspired the development of components aimed at reducing adhesion and increasing wear resistance [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. These biomimetic designs effectively enhance the performance of components and improve the quality of operations.…”