Three-dimensional, finite element interaction between soil and simple tillage tool

ABSTRACT A non-linear, three-dimensional, finite element model was used to study soil-tool interaction. The model included both effects of soil strength and soil-metal friction behavior. An interface element between the soil and the tool surface was established based upon a hyperbolic model. Laboratory tillage tests were conducted in a soil bin to verify the results of the finite element model. The results showed that the finite element analysis predicted an accurate draft force for a simple tillage tool. The relative prediction error ranged from 0.8% to 10.5%. KEYWORDS. Tillage, Draft force. Finite element model.