Numerical Simulation and Bench Test of Crawler-Type Cotton Time-Delay Hole-Forming Device Based on RecurDyn-EDEM Coupling

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript is within the scope of the Journal. The English language is satisfactory, and readers will understand the information presented. The manuscript is adequately written and appropriately organized. The Authors adopted multi-body dynamics-discrete element coupling model by means of EDEM-Recurdyn coupling numerical simulation, orthogonal test and bench test. However, to maintain the impact and quality of the Journal, the following comments should be observed for a minor revision:

1. Abstract: Should be 250 words maximum. Refer to the Journal's Instructions. 

2. Introduction: Lines 93-97 and Lines 102-110 should be moved to Materials and Methods. Lines 90-93 and 97-102 should be organized to clearly understand the objectives of the study. 

3. Figures 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 16 and 19 should be provided with additional definition in the captions to understand the parts or labels or Figure in a whole.

- For instance, Figure 8; A-F and other letters should be defined in the Figure caption. What is JKR V2?

4. Indicate the full meaning of Y in the vertical axis. The time on the x-axis should be time (s).

5. Define the letters A, B and C below the Table 3.

- Provide a broader description for the Table 3 caption.

6. In Table 4, indicate the type of asterisk in the significant column for the interactions AB, B2 and C2 for Y1 and AB for Y2.

- Check *** below the Table 4 since it is not indicated in the significant column. 

7. In Table 5; why is the simulation value of 27.1 is only provided for Test 1? What are the values for tests 2-5? Also, average values should be the mean +/-standard deviation. Provide the standard deviation values. Remove the bar /. 

- In Table 6, average values should be the mean +/-standard deviation. Provide the standard deviation values.

8. References: Journal names should be abbreviated. Refer to the Journal's Instructions.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The reference of the paper is mainly based on the research of Chinese researchers. There is too little research literature from other countries.

The format of the reference editing is not consistent, and it is recommended to make modifications.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The paper focuses on the demand for high-speed cotton planting in Xinjiang, and designs a crawler- duckbill time-Delay hole-forming soil insertion component. The theoretical analysis, simulation, and bench test of its working performance have been conducted. The research has important practical application value. It is suggested to accept this paper after minor editing of English language.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Cotton sowing is an important and interesting problem. A higher working speed can save resources accordingly. The paper also presents a technical solution. Reading the article, however, I ask myself whether this approach is the right one. A machine is developed with a lot of effort and a large model. This is also likely to be susceptible to wear due to the many moving parts in contact with the ground. The result is then an increase to 6 km/h sowing speed. However, this is still very slow compared to other regions of the world. Wouldn't it have been better to change the cultivation concept and thus become much faster and more effective overall?

For this reason, I would like the background to the cotton cultivation system to be explained in more detail in the introduction and thus also the necessity for this technical system. In addition, a technical comparison with other sowing systems for cotton worldwide is missing in order to be able to classify the results.

The literature used must be thoroughly revised. Only Chinese sources or sources by Chinese authors have been used. However, the topic of cotton sowing is being researched internationally.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

This study focused on solving the problem of sowing quality caused by high-speed operation in cotton bunch planting in Xinjiang. The proposed new crawler-type cotton time-delay hole-forming mechanism and the simulation analysis method combined with RecurDyn-EDEM have important practical significance and theoretical value.

The design concept and implementation method of time-delay hole-forming proposed in this paper provide innovative technical solutions for the specific problems in current high-speed seeding. Through detailed coupling simulation analysis of multi-body dynamics and discrete element method, combined with bench test verification, the reliability and accuracy of the established model are proved, which shows good practical potential. It can effectively guide the design and optimization of actual machinery, meet the development needs of modern agricultural machinery, and provide strong technical support for the design of high-speed cotton seeder. At the same time, the author carefully pointed out the limitations of the study, including the differences between laboratory conditions and field conditions, as well as the further exploration of the dynamic process of cotton seed release, reflecting a deep understanding of its research field. After the nuances are supplemented and improved, it is agreed that the manuscript is accepted.

(1)Please check the full text carefully to ensure that all variables are italic.

(2)The arrows are marked on the seeding wheel and the auxiliary wheel of Fig. 2, but the meaning is not explained. Please add.

(3)The font sizes in Table 2 are inconsistent. Please revise carefully.

(4)In the 3.1.Simulation Model Creation and Parameter Setting section, the references [16-22] are too concentrated, and it is recommended to split them in context.

(5)It is recommended that the authors check all graphs and tables to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 5 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In view of the challenges faced by cotton dibbler in Xinjiang under high-speed operation, the authors of this manuscript propose an innovative solution Crawler-Type Cotton Time-Delay Hole-Forming Device, which aims to extend the opening and closing time of duck bill, improve seeding efficiency, and solve the problem of seed throwing and floating under high-speed operation. Through theoretical analysis, simulation and verification test, the research shows the effectiveness of its theory and practice, and has high academic value and application prospect. In general, this manuscript shows a high level in theoretical analysis, technological innovation and experimental verification, which plays an important role in promoting the research of agricultural machinery engineering, especially cotton seeding machinery and the development of cotton high-speed seeding technology.

1. The abstract and summary parts need to be further condensed.

2.According to the ANOVA analysis table and the test results, it can be seen that the interaction of factors AB has no significant effect on the evaluation indexes Y1 and Y2, so do Figure 17a and Figure 18a need to be retained ?

3. The title of Figure 19 is too long, please rewrite to improve the readability of the title.

4. The diagrams and illustrations in the article are clear and helpful to understand the research content. It is recommended that the author check the accuracy of all formulas, diagrams and illustrations and ensure that they are consistent with the text content.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf