Enhancing Sustainable Afforestation through Innovative Earth Auger Design: A Simulation Study in Hilly Regions

Abstract

The objective of this study was to advance sustainable forestry development through the creation of mechanical equipment, taking into account forestry operational methods. A suspended automatic feeding and retracting excavation device for tree pits was engineered, and its interaction with soil was investigated by integrating the Discrete Element Method (DEM) with Multi-Flexible Body Dynamics (MFBD). Based on simulation results, the research explored the impact mechanisms of the machine on soil transportation, working load, and fatigue lifespan of the spiral blades for different terrains and operating conditions. The coupling simulation method demonstrated the potential for designing and testing forestry equipment in specific operating environments, reducing time and resource consumption for field testing. Terrain significantly influenced soil disturbance variability, while the effect of operating direction was minor. Operational parameters should consider soil and water conservation, favoring the formation of fish-scale pits. Field tests in forested areas validate the practicality of the apparatus, providing valuable insights for the operation and equipment design of earth augers in hilly regions.