Simulation of mechano-technological processes of agro-industrial production using the discrete element method

Numerical Insights into Agro-Industrial Machinery and Process Optimization

Abstract

Agriculture is a key sector ensuring food security and social stability, while reducing labor costs drives mechanization and automation of agro-industrial processes. Modern agricultural engineering requires systems engineering and computer modeling for effective equipment design. This study uses numerical modeling of mechanized processes via the Discrete Element Method (DEM) in Simcenter STAR-CCM+, enabling the development of physicomathematical models of interactions between machine components and bulk materials, including contact, elastic-damping, frictional, and cohesive forces. Numerical modeling with DEM allows identification of key operational patterns and parameter effects on process efficiency. Examples of mechanized processes include transportation (seed movement in a pneumatic seeder), dosing (seed metering in a photoelectronic separator), grinding (dehulling castor fruits and seed separation), pressing (granulated feed formation), mixing (blending feed components in a rotary mixer), and separation (seed mixture sorting in a trieur separator). These examples confirm the adequacy of the models, enabling identification of critical equipment points, implementation of changes at early design stages, and reduction of experimental time. The results demonstrate the value of modern digital engineering in agricultural machinery development and highlight its role in ensuring high levels of food security. By combining DEM modeling with advanced software, engineers can optimize mechanized processes, improve equipment performance, and support efficient, sustainable agro-industrial production.