Comparing kernel damage of different threshing components using high-speed cameras

Grain damage research has been a focus of many experts in the agriculture machinery industry. A threshing test-bed was developed to investigate the movement and influence of different threshing and separating units on maize grains. The damage to maize grains was analyzed with a high-speed camera to observe the movement and damage received by the maize grains. The results showed that the threshing and separating effects of the perforated concave plate were obviously lower than that of the round steel concave plate, the threshing effects of the rigid rasp bar and polyurethane rasp bar were similar, and the damage ratio of the polyurethane rasp bar was relatively low. It also indicated that moisture content has a significant effect on the damage ratio and damage type of maize grains. The different threshing component types used in this study had an obvious effect on the degree of damage to high moisture content maize grains and the damage to high-moisture kernels during threshing could be further identified. The results can provide a reference for the design of threshing and separating devices in the maize combine harvesting machinery.