DEM-based numerical simulation of drainage plows and dewatering trenchers

Discrete Element Method (DEM) numerical simulations are carried out to perform a simulation-based parametric optimization of drainage plow geometry based on the predicted forces, pressure distributions and topsoil placement. Two types of plows, parallel link (PL) and double link (DL), operating in sand and clay soils at various plowing depths are investigated. Key geometric parameters considered in the optimization include mole shape, plow position relative to tracks, plow back angle, mole length-to-height ratio, and plow point geometry. Results indicate that optimized configurations, specifically the modified PL plow and the high-feature double link (HFDL) plow, achieve reduced forces, enhanced traction, and improved pressure distributions compared to baseline designs. Shifting the plows 25'' backward from its original position is shown to improve track operating effectiveness. For the given mole dimensions, three length-to-height ratios demonstrate superior performance. Additionally, an excavator plow point may be a viable alternative if increased wear at the point tip and slightly higher wear on the front of the boot is acceptable. Then, the work is further extended to the investigations of a dewatering trencher cutting through soil. The dewatering trencher is a drainage machine similar to a plow but employs a cutting chain instead of a mole. Cutting torque is evaluated to establish the foundation for future research. The chain motion is controlled using a multibody dynamics approach then coupled with the same DEM framework used for plow simulation to simulate the complete trencher cutting process.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Eng Sci

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Wang, Keyu

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Zhang, Chao

• Drainage plow
• simulation-based parametric optimization
• numerical simulation
• Discrete Element Method (DEM)
• draft force
• pressure distribution
• dewatering trencher
• multi-body dynamics
• MBD-DEM coupling method
• torque

Statement dc:rights

• Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

#14583

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/39500