Effects of bionic curves on penetration force under difference soils

Abstract

Soil penetration is the most important process during soil tilling. To optimize the soil penetration process, six specimens were designed and fabricated based on the badger teeth outlines. Both experimental investigation and numerical analysis were conducted with three types of soil. Results showed the specimen C, B, and D got the lowest penetration force and reduced the force by 26.15%, 22.68%, and 25.86% compared with that of specimen A under soil 1, soil 2, and soil 3, respectively. Depth-force curve analysis showed that the bionic specimens can slow down the force increase rate by reducing the coefficient of the force-depth curve equations. The bionic specimens obtained a lower increase of internal friction angle and cohesion after penetration, indicating the soil strength after penetration was lower. Furthermore, the rise in soil surface was observed after the penetration, and the penetration with the bionic specimens got a higher rise. Simulation analysis showed that the mechanism for the force reduction was because the force direction was changed, which brought a better flowability and less strength for the soil. It concludes that the badger teeth outlines reduce the penetration force by changing the force directions and optimizing the soil properties. Based on research results, the optimal bionic curve for penetration in different types of soil was determined.