Structural analysis and optimal design of a centrifugal side-throw organic fertiliser spreader

Abstract

This study contradicts the discrepancy between limited greenhouse spaces and substantial volumes of organic fertiliser utilised. Using EDEM numerical simulation software, we analysed the contact between the centrifugal side-throw organic fertiliser-spreading disc and the organic fertiliser particles. The factors examined included fan inclination angle, disc speed, and angle of guide vanes. The coefficient of variation was used as the measure. A three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken Design (BBD) response surface test was performed to procure response surface plots, fit the data, and determine the optimal values. To validate our findings, a specific test was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of the guide vanes. The superiority of the fertiliser-spreading structure was verified by repeating it three times in field trials. Our simulation indicated the optimal values for the rotational speed of the fertiliser-spreading disc and the inclination angle of the fan blade to ensure uniform fertiliser distribution. We discovered that an excessive number of guide vanes can hinder the smooth application of organic fertilisers. In addition, the guide vanes set at wider angles demonstrated superior dispersion. Precise optimisation identified a disc rotational speed of 417 r·min⁻¹, fan inclination of 16.67°, and guide vane angle of 20°. With these settings, the ideal coefficient of variation for the lateral distribution of organic fertiliser was 15.73%, and below 16.48% in the field operation. In conclusion, we designed an adjustable centrifugal side-throw organic fertiliser-spreading disc to address the challenges of organic fertiliser distribution in greenhouses. This offers a foundational model for mechanising organic fertiliser application in agricultural facilities.