Distinct Element Method Applied to the Study of Solid and Semi-Solid Manure Properties and Machine-Product Interactions for Handling and Land Application Equipment

Solid and semi-solid manure represent alternative solutions to liquid manure management systems in order to increase the social acceptance and the long-term sustainability of intensive livestock production. There exists an important need to improve the performances of solid and semi-solid manure handling and land application equipment. The general objective of the research program is to develop the knowledge required to optimize the design and operation of solid and semi-solid manure handling and land application equipment. The specific objective of the work reported herein is to apply the Distinct Element Method (DEM) to the study of solid and semi-solid manure physical and flow properties and machine-manure interactions taking place in handling and land application equipment. Manure products models are first being developed using models of the test equipment used to measure manure physical and flow properties. Machinery-manure interactions will then be studied using DE models based on the products properties. The modeling approach and preliminary models are presented. The research program is very significant in gaining an enhanced understanding of the dynamic behavior of solid and semi-solid manure in handling and land application equipment that will allow for the optimization of the design and operation of such equipment.