Simulation-Driven Optimization of Bulldozer Blade and Ripper Design for Digital Twins of Earth-Moving Machinery
Mohamed A. A. Abdeldayem: PhD, ME Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Adewale M. Sedara: Former Graduate Student, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
Mehari Z. Tekeste: Director of Soil Machine Dynamic Laboratory (SMDL), Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
March 13th, 2025 | 11:30 EST / 17:30 CET / 1:30 JST
Earth-moving machinery
Virtual performance analysis of bulldozer blades and subsoilers of earth-moving machines is essential for design optimization, AI training, and automation of earth-moving manned or unmanned vehicles. The research demonstrates the integration of high-fidelity elasto-plastic with cohesion Discrete Element Method (DEM) soil models, similitude scaling modeling, and validation soil bin experiments for predicting energy and dynamic soil moving responses as blade and ripper interact with the soil. Similitude-driven mathematical scaling models and DEM simulations of soil cutting and loosening from various scaled blades and subsoilers showed good agreement with data from validation experiments. Leveraging the multi-physics modeling capabilities for predicting performance analysis of bulldozing and subsoiling enables towards development of digital twin of earth-moving machines and their operations. It also supports the accelerated development of manned or unmanned electric-powered off-road vehicles and training AI-enabled automation of earth-moving operations.
For more information on the project and facilities at Iowa State University, please visit https://www.abe.iastate.edu/tekeste/
R E G I S T E R H E R E
Speaker bio
Mohamed A. A. Abdeldayem: A Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University, specializing in computational modeling and simulation of earthmoving equipment. My research integrates the Discrete Element Method (DEM), digital twin technology, and scaling laws to optimize bulldozer blade performance. With expertise in soil-machine interaction, virtual product design, and performance analysis, I aim to advance the automation and electrification of construction machinery. I have contributed to peer-reviewed research, actively engaged in academic conferences, and served as a reviewer for the Journal of Terramechanics. Google Scholar
Mohamed A. A. Abdeldayem: Google scholar
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Adewale M. Sedara:
Google scholar
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Mehari Z. Tekeste: Google scholar
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Related Publications
Abdeldayem, M. A. A., & Tekeste, M. Z. (2025). Simulation of cohesive-frictional artificial soil-to-blade interactions using an elasto-plastic discrete element model with stress-dependent cohesion. Journal of Terramechanics, 117, 101029. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jterra.2024.101029
Sedara, A. M., Abdeldayem, M. A., de Freitas, F. P. G., & Mehari, T. Z. (2025). Optimization of subsoiler design using similitude-based DEM simulation and soil bin testing on cohesive-frictional artificial soil. Journal of Terramechanics, 117, 101026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jterra.2024.101026
Abdeldayem, M. A. A., & Tekeste, M. Z. (2024). Scaling law modeling artificial soil-to-bulldozer blade interaction. Journal of Terramechanics, 116, 101001. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jterra.2024.101001