Parameter calibration of a discrete element model for a mixture of cotton stalks and residual film
Abstract
To address the issue of insufficient accuracy in the discrete element simulation model for cotton stalk -residual film mixtures, this paper employs the Hertz-Mindlin model with the JKR contact model to calibrate the contact parameters. First, significant parameters affecting the angle of repose were identified using Plackett-Burman experiments. Subsequently, the optimal parameter range was determined in conjunction with the steepest climb test. A regression model was constructed using Box-Behnken experiments to optimize the parameters, yielding the optimal parameter combination: cotton stalk-residual film rolling friction coefficient of 0.46, residual film-residual film rolling friction coefficient of 0.31, residual film-steel rolling friction coefficient of 0.47, and residual film-residual film JKR surface energy of 0.41 J/m2. Simulated pile-up tests were conducted on a mixture of cotton stalks and residual film using these optimal parameter combinations. The results showed that the error between the simulated and measured angle of repose was only 3.06%, validating the reliability of the parameters and providing a basis for research into the interaction characteristics between cotton stalks and residual film during film recovery.
Keywords: cotton stalk-residual plastic film mixture, parameter calibration, angle of repose; discrete element method
DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20261903.10246
Citation: Li J M, Zhang J X, Wang Y C, Yu J T, Xing C X. Parameter calibration of a discrete element model for a mixture of cotton stalks and residual film. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2026; 19(3): 80–88.
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