Alfalfa Stalk Crushing Simulation Test and Parameter Optimization Method

To investigate the impact of different cutter structures on the crushing effect of forage stalks at various rotational speeds, this study designed five types of crushing cutters. The effects of cutter structure and rotational speed on the crushing effect of the forage crusher were examined using the discrete element method, a single-factor test. An orthogonal test was conducted, with the percentage of bond breakage as the evaluation index, and tool type and tool speed as influencing factors. The results of the orthogonal test were analyzed using range analysis. The findings revealed that the quality of alfalfa stalk crushing varied depending on the crushing structure and rotational speed. Within a certain rotational speed range, the crushing effect improved as the rotational speed increased. However, beyond a certain value, the improvement in the crushing effect became slower. Notably, the hob-type crushing structure exhibited the best crushing effect at 2400 r/min.