DEM-Modeling of a Centrifugal Sowing System for Wood Species Seeds from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. P. 124-138

Complete text of the article:

Printed copies of the back issues are available in the editorial office of the journal on application to e-mail: forest@narfu.ru. An electronic version of individual issues and articles can be purchased at Rucont.ru.

UDС

631.331.1+629.735:630.651.72

DOI:

10.37482/0536-1036-2026-2-124-138

Abstract

Reforestation in remote, rugged, and hard-to-reach terrains remains a significant challenge for modern forestry, necessitating the transition to automated and efficient technological solutions. This study focuses on the development and numerical investigation of a centrifugal seed broadcasting system integrated with an unmanned aerial vehicle for precision aerial seeding. The research was conducted using the Discrete Element Method implemented in the Altair EDEM software environment. The simulation model incorporates the precise physical and mechanical properties of forest tree seeds, such as density, coefficients of friction, and restitution, as well as the intricate design features of the centrifugal device. A key aspect of the study involved modeling the interaction between the seeds and the distributing disk while considering the aerodynamic influence of the unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion system on the resulting seed trajectories. Through a comprehensive series of numerical experiments, the study analyzed the influence of various operational parameters – specifically the rotational speed of the distributing disk and the angular configuration of the blades – on the uniformity of seed distribution. The research determined the rational design and operational settings that minimize the coefficient of variation in the spreading pattern. It was established that the propulsion system’s downwash significantly affects the distribution width, requiring precise synchronization between flight altitude and disk rotation. The findings provide a robust theoretical and practical framework for optimizing aerial sowing equipment, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of forest restoration technologies in challenging environments.

Authors

Mikhail N. Lysych*, Candidate of Engineering; ResearcherID: N-3089-2016,
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3764-3873
Leonid D. Bukhtoyarov, Candidate of Engineering, Assoc. Prof.;
ResearcherID: AAO-5129-2020, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7428-0821
Maksim A. Gnusov, Doctor of Engineering, Assoc. Prof.;
ResearcherID: AAT-9060-2020, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1653-4595
Evgenii V. Martynovsky, Engineer; ResearcherID: OHV-1617-2025,
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0434-575X

Affiliation

Voronezh State University of Forestry and Technologies named after G.F. Morozov, ul. Timiryazeva, 8, Voronezh, Russian Federation, 394036; miklynea@yandex.ru*, vglta-mlx@yandex.ru, ko407@yandex.ru, profootballjack@gmail.com

Keywords

seeding device, aerial sowing, unmanned aerial vehicle, simulation modeling, computer-aided design, CAD

For citation

Lysych M.N., Bukhtoyarov L.D., Gnusov M.A., Martynovsky E.V. DEMModeling of a Centrifugal Sowing System for Wood Species Seeds from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Lesnoy Zhurnal = Russian Forestry Journal, 2026, no. 2, pp. 124–138. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.37482/0536-1036-2026-2-124-138

References

1. Bulavintsev R.A. The Construction Analysis of the Seeding Units for Sowing of Grain Crops. Agrotekhnika i energoobespechenie = Agrotechnics and Energy Supply, 2018, no. 19(2), рр. 74–84. (In Russ.).
2. Kalyashov V.A., Do T.A., Khitrov E.G., Grigorieva O.I., Guryev A.Yu., Novgorodov D.V. Modern Systems of Machinery and Technologies for Timber Harvesting and Reforestation in Mountain Forests. Resources and Technology, 2022, no. 2(19), рр. 1–47. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.15393/j2.art.2022.6163
3. Lysych M.N., Bukhtoyarov L.D., Chernyshov V.V., Nagaitsev V.M. Overview of Modern Technologies of Aeroseding Forests Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Uspekhi sovremennogo yestestvoznaniya = Advances in Modern Natural Sciences, 2021, no. 10, рр. 37–42. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.17513/use.37696
4. Lysych M.N., Malyukov S.V., Shavkov M.V., Gnusov M.A. Study of SemiAutomatic Planting Mechanism for Seedlings with Root-Balled Tree System in CAD with Full-Size 3D-Printing Tools. Lesnoy vestnik = Forestry Bulletin, 2025, no. 1(29), рр. 144–161. (In Russ.).
5. XAG Granule Spreading System – JetSeed. XAG OfÏcial Site. Available at: https:// www.xa.com/en/jetseed (accessed 23.07.25).
6. T Series Spreading System 2.0. Available at: https://4vision.ru/products/sistemaraspyleniya-mg-series-spreading-system-20 (accessed 23.07.25).
7. UGS-2G System. Available at: https://www.cfr-innovations.com/product-page/ugs-2g (accessed 23.07.25).
8. Sokolov S.V., Novikov A.I. Trends of Development of Aerial Seeding Operational Technology with Unmanned Vehicles in Reforestation Production, Lesotekhnicheskii zhurnal = Forestry Engineering Journal, 2017, no. 4(7), рр. 190–205. (In Russ.). https://doi.org/10.12737/article_5a3d040dc79c79.94513194
9. Coetzee C.J., Lombard S.G. Discrete Element Method Modelling of a Centrifugal Fertiliser Spreader. Biosystems Engineering, 2011, vol. 109, pp. 308–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2011.04.011
10. Huang Y.X., Wang B.T., Yao Y.X., Ding S.P., Zhang J.C., Zhu R.X. Parameter Optimization of Fluted-Roller Meter Using Discrete Element Method. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2018, vol. 6(11), pp. 65–72. https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20181106.3573
11. Hwang S.J., Nam J.S. DEM Simulation Model to Optimise Shutter Hole Position of a Centrifugal Fertiliser Distributor for Precise Application. Biosystems Engineering, 2021, vol. 204, pp. 326–345. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2021.02.004
12. Liedekerke P.V., Tijskens E., Dintwa E., Rioual F., Vangeyte J., Ramon H. DEM simulations of the particle flow on a centrifugal fertilizer spreader. Powder Technology, 2009, vol. 190, pp. 348–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2008.08.018
13. Lysych M., Bukhtoyarov L., Druchinin D. Design and Research Sowing Devices for Aerial Sowing of Forest Seeds with UAVs. Inventions, 2021, vol. 6, no. 4, art. 83, pp. 1–26. https://doi.org/10.3390/inventions6040083
14. Marcinkiewicz J., Selech J., Staszak Z., Gierz L., Ulbrich D., Romek D. DEM Simulation Research of Selected Sowing Unit Elements Used in a Mechanical Seeding Drill. MATEC Web of Conferences, 2018, vol. 254, p. 02021. https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201925402021
15. Mohan M., Richardson G., Gopan G., Aghai M.M., Bajaj S., Galgamuwa G.A., Vastaranta M., Arachchige P., Amorоs L., Corte A., De miguel S., Leite R.V., Kganyago M., Broadbent E.N., Doaemo W., Shorab M., Cardil A. UAV Supported Forest Regeneration: Current trends, Challenges and Implications. Remote Sensing, 2021, vol. 13(13), pp. 1–31. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13132596
16. Murray J.R., Tullberg J.N., Basnet B.B. Planters and Their Components. Types, Attributes, Functional Requirements, Classification and Description. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, 2006, C. ACIAR Monograph, vol. 121. 178 р.
17. National Research Council. Sowing Forests From the Air. Washington, DC, National Research Council, 1981. 75 р. https://doi.org/10.17226/19670
18. Nukeshev S., Sugirbay A., Dulatbay Y., Tanbaev K., Yeskhozhin K., Chen J., Nazarbayev Y., Sugirbaeva Z. Offset Straight-Tooth Roller Development Using the Discrete Element Method for Applying Granular Mineral Fertilizer. International Journal of Technology, 2024, vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 2060–2073. https://doi.org/10.14716/ijtech.v15i6.7311
19. Song C., Zhou Z., Luo X., Lan Y., He X., Ming R., Li K., Hassan S.G. Design and Test of Centrifugal Disc Type Sowing Device for Unmanned Helicopter. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2018, vol. 2(11), pp. 55–61. https://doi.org/10.25165/j.ijabe.20181102.3757
20. Wu Z., Li M., Lei X., Wu Z., Jiang C., Zhou L., Ma R., Chen Y. Simulation and Parameter Optimization of a Centrifugal Rice Seeding Spreader for a UAV. Biosystems Engineering, 2020, vol. 192, pp. 275–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2020.02.004
21. Yang L., Chen L., Zhang J., Liu H., Sun Z., Sun H., Zheng L. Fertilizer Sowing Simulation of a Variable-Rate Fertilizer Applicator Based on EDEM. IFAC-PapersOnLine, 2018, vol. 17(51), pp. 418–423. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifacol.2018.08.185