A Calibration Method for Contact Parameters of Maize Kernels Based on the Discrete Element Method

Clarifying the maize kernel movement during the crushing process is critical for improving the design and optimization of the impact mill. Rather than through experiments, maize kernel movement can be quantitatively analyzed through the discrete element method (DEM), and this could contribute more to the study of the crushing mechanism and equipment optimization. However, having an accurate particle model and contact parameters are prerequisites to ensure the accuracy of the DEM simulation. In this study, we proposed a maize kernel model construction method for the Rocky DEM simulation and a calibration method to calibrate contact parameters. The three-axis size, volume, and shape information of real maize kernels were obtained by 3D scanning, and then the maize kernel model was constructed by the section method. The particle–low-carbon-plate (p–w) and particle–particle (p–p) restitution coefficients were calibrated by using the improved inclined surface drop method. In addition, the angle of repose (AoR) and discharging time were considered together to calibrate the dynamical friction coefficients of p–w and p–p through the funnel method. Additionally, the maize kernel model and calibrated parameter values were used in a DEM simulation of the inclined surface drop test and the funnel test. The maximum relative errors between the simulation values and the measured values of the inclined surface drop test and the funnel test were 4.38% and 6.98%, respectively, which further verified that the proposed maize kernel model construction and contact parameter calibration methods are feasible and accurate. The research method used in this study is a novel idea that can be applied for the construction of the particle model and calibration of the contact parameters of granular materials with complex geometric structures, as well as the maize kernel model, and shows that calibrated contact parameters can provide a reference for the maize kernel crushing simulation to optimize the impact mill.