Abstract
To improve the accuracy of the parameters used in discrete element simulation tests in the process of clearing fresh sunflowers, this study took the extracts of fresh sunflower as the research object and used a combination of physical experiments and simulation experiments to calibrate the discrete element simulation parameters. First, the composition of the edible sunflower extract is determined, and then, the physical test method is used to determine the characteristics of the edible sunflower extract material. Based on the results of the physical test as a simulation basis, the Plackett−Burman test is used to screen the significance of the test parameters, and the screening results show that the shear modulus, static friction coefficient, and collision recovery coefficient of sunflower kernels have significant effects on the simulated angle of repose. On the basis of the steepest climbing test, the Box−Behnken test is carried out to obtain the simulated angle of repose and significance. The second-order regression equation of texture parameters is optimized with the actual physical angle of repose (24.68°) as the target value to obtain the optimal parameter combination. Finally, through the two-sample T test, p > 0.05 is obtained, indicating that the simulated angle of repose and the actual physical test angle of repose are not significantly different, and the relative error is 0.923%, which verifies the reliability of the optimal simulation parameter combination. The research results show that the calibrated simulation parameter combination can be used in discrete element simulation tests of the extraction process of sunflower extracts.