Analysis and Optimization of Low-Resistance Animal Bionic Subsoiling Shovel Based on EDEM

Considering the problems of high tillage resistance and high energy consumption in existing subsoiling shovels, the contour-fitting curve characteristics of the front paw toes of mole crickets were applied to the structural design of subsoiling shovels using bionic principles. Combined with the structure of an existing subsoiling shovel, three types of bionic subsoiling shovels were designed using bionic principles, aiming to reduce tillage resistance and energy consumption. In order to investigate their tillage effect, the microparameters of the red soil in South China were calibrated using EDEM 2020, and a corresponding discrete element soil model was established. The simulation conducted on the subsoiling process using both common and bionic subsoiling shovels, and the disturbance of the red soil by common and bionic subsoiling shovels, as well as the tillage resistance and kinetic energy experienced by subsoiling shovels, were studied. The results demonstrated that, compared with the common subsoiling shovel, the bionic subsoiling shovel 1 experienced a 5.31% reduction in tillage force, with a 4.01% reduction in tillage force at the shovel tip, a 7.15% reduction in tillage force at the shovel handle, and a 6.33% reduction in energy consumption. The bionic subsoiling shovel 2 experienced a 9.25% reduction in tillage force, with an 11.43% reduction in tillage force at the tip, a 5.49% reduction in tillage force at the handle, and a 10.58% reduction in energy consumption. The bionic subsoiling shovel 3 experienced a 6.55% reduction in tillage force, with a 5.87% reduction in tillage force at the tip and a 7.72% reduction in tillage force at the handle. Further verification has shown that the bionic subsoiling shovel has better resistance reduction and energy reduction effects.