Research Information System
Flow Measurement and Instrumentation, vol.108, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Uniform seed distribution is essential for optimizing crop yield and enhancing seeding quality in modern agricultural practices. The helicoidal seed tube was developed to regulate seed flow within seed drills just before seeds are dispensed into the furrow, addressing challenges in consistent seed placement. This study presents a Discrete Element Method (DEM)-based approach for measuring the motion characteristics of wheat seeds within such a helicoidal tube, with the goal of enhancing measurement precision in evaluating seed velocity, spacing, and flow consistency. The DEM model was calibrated against experimental data, achieving strong agreement, including a particle flow rate of 1.34 g s−1and a total discharge of 17.37 g over 20 s. Sensitivity analyses were performed on pitch size, tube inclination, and input flow rate, revealing their influence on seed velocity (0.40–1.30 m s−1), spacing, and the occurrence of flow interruptions. Larger pitch sizes (36 mm and 40 mm) supported smoother flow without blockage even at higher rates. This study offers a validated methodology for quantifying dynamic particle behavior in confined geometries using simulation and bench-scale testing. It contributes to measurement science by providing a structured framework to analyze, validate, and optimize seed flow systems, which can be extended to broader granular flow measurement applications.