Seeding uniformity measurement and CFD-DEM coupling analysis on the structural features of the seed-guiding tube
摘要
A CFD-DEM coupling methodology was implemented to examine the influence of critical structural parameters of the curved seed-guiding tube, specifically the inner diameter (d), incident angle (α), curvature radius (ρ), and seed-dispensing angle (β), on key performance metrics including particle exit velocity (vp), seed–seedbed collision force (Fc), and the coefficient of variation in seed spacing (CVs). Statistical analysis revealed differential impacts of these structural features on performance metrics. The developed regression model successfully predicted optimal structural configurations: inner diameter of 22.67 mm, incident angle of 12.09°, curvature radius of 113.84 mm, and seed-dispensing angle of 35.91°. Empirical validation through physical bench testing demonstrated significant improvements, with the qualified rate increasing by 5.46% to reach 93.6–95.51%, while CVs decreased by 7.21% to 13.59–18.53%. Optimal operational parameters were established at 4–5.5 km/h working speed with 5–6.5 m/s positive pressure airflow velocity.