Calibration and test of contact parameters for alfalfa stalk at primary florescence based on discrete element method

In view of the lack of accurate models for discrete element simulation in the current research and development process of forage harvesting and crushing machinery, the contact parameters were calibrated based on Hertz-Mindlin (no slip) contact model by EDEM simulation software with alfalfa stalk at primary florescence as the research object. Based on the angle of repose, the restitution coefficient, static friction coefficient, rolling friction coefficient of alfalfa stalks were determined through the Placket-Burman test, steepest ascent test and Box-Behnken test. The simulation test of the repose angle was carried out with the determined contact parameters. The results showed that the relative error between the simulated repose angle and the physical test repose angle was 0.48%, which indicated that the calibrated contact parameters could truly reflect the physical characteristics of alfalfa stalks at the primary florescence. It provided a reliable model and parameter calibration method for the discrete element simulation in the research and development process of forage machinery, and also provided a reference for the research and optimization design of forage harvesting, crushing and processing machinery.