A Simulation Model for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Rapeseed using the Discrete Element Method

This paper describes the mechanical modeling of rapeseed using the 3D Discrete Element Method (DEM). We investigated rapeseeds as a set of granular material points using a linear elastic material model with Coulomb friction and cohesive bonds. The parameters of the model were determined through physical and mechanical investigations. The mechanical properties were validated against actual measurement results using a single-axis compression box and a direct shear box. The investigations yielded the following micro-mechanical parameters: normal particle stiness (Kn): 437 kN/m; particle shear stiness (Ks): 100 kN/m; particle-to-particle friction coefficient () 0.5; particle-to-wall friction coecient () 0.2; wall normal stiness (Kn): 1311 kN/m; wall shear stiness (Ks): 300 kN/m; local damping coecient (): 0.7. The results proved that the DEM method is suitable for simulating the macro-mechanical behavior of rapeseed for the pressing process.