Application of DEM in Accelerating Optimization of Component-level and System-level Designs in a Combine Harvester

Dr. Ashu Tamrakar, Soil and Crop Modeling Engineer - Global Product Platform Innovation at CNH Industrial presents at the 2024 ATCx DEM.

To meet the increasing capacity and performance demands of next-generation combine harvesters, it is critical to develop precise grain flow models that inform design improvements and operational optimization. This presentation reviews the application of high-fidelity Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations for modeling grain flow through the grain handling subsystem of a combine elevator. These simulations provide essential insights into the interactions between grain and mechanical components, offering a foundation for improving both component-level efficiency and overall system performance. Through the integration of advanced DEM techniques, this work contributes to the ongoing development of more efficient, high-performance combine harvesters, with the goal of enhancing grain handling processes and supporting increased agricultural productivity.