Prediction and Evaluation for Leveling Performance in Rotary Tiller

In order to predict and evaluate the rotary tiller leveling performance, a rotary tillage model that can estimate pile height of tilled soil was developed with the discrete element method (DEM). The comparison between the pile height in the experiment and those predicted by the model revealed that this model was roughly able to predict the pile shape and height of tilled soil. The determination coefficient of the root mean square (RMS) value of the pile height distribution was 0.799. In addition, it was indicated that this model was capable of predicting the effect of the rotary tiller mechanical specification (rotary tiller width, rotary tiller blade arrangement and blade shape) on the flatness of the soil after tillage.