Maize (Zea mays L.) cobs’ cleaning from husks is one of the most important stages in seed production for obtaining high-quality seed material. In this process, the diameter, surface shape, friction properties of cleaning rollers, and forces generated during contact with the cob play a key role. The study revealed the optimal diameter of the rollers and the contact angle with the cob to ensure the effective grasping and removal of husks in maize cobs. The theoretical and experimental analyses of cob deformation and friction forces have enabled the justification of structural variables of working organs. In this research, the mathematical models of husk removal in maize cobs have succeeded in their development, having accelerated the process efficiency by calculating the compression and tension forces developed between the rollers. According to results, the parameters, such as the cob deformation angle and the impact radius of the compression mechanism, have reached optimization, which considerably minimized the risk of mechanical damage to seeds and enhanced productivity by 20%–30%. The proposed technological solutions will develop a scientific basis for designing the new generation cleaning machines in the seed industry and contribute to resource conservation.
Corn (Z. mays L.) cobs, coating cleaning, cobweb, friction properties, deformation, force analysis, seed technology, seed material
The rollers’ diameter and surface shape were the most important constructive parameters in removing the husks from maize (Z. mays L.) cobs. Keeping the contact angle between the cob and roller closer to a right angle enhanced the efficiency of husk gripping. Determining the optimal parameters of working units can result from calculating cob deformation and friction forces.