Structure optimization for the discharge arm of the self-propelled forage harvester based on CFD-DEM

To optimize the structure of the discharge arm of the self-propelled harvester and improve the harvesting efficiency to reduce the loss, we first established a mathematical model of the gas-solid two-phase of the forage in the unloading process. Next, we revealed the flow characteristics of forage and the influence of key structures of the discharge arm using the CFD-DEM. Then, we optimized the key structural parameters of the discharge arm using the orthogonal test and response surface method. Finally, we carried out the simulation and field experiment on the forage conveying performance of the discharge arm. The experimental results show that the maximum conveying distance of the new discharge arm is more than 27 m, significantly reducing the spraying loss and improving the harvesting efficiency. Our research findings provide a new reference for optimizing the agricultural material conveying machines and exploring the movement characteristics of agricultural materials in different pipelines.