A model of the blade in the crushing module of a feed manufacturing machine was established. Using the Lsdyna module of the finite element software Ansys, the blade cutting process for corn cobs was simulated numerically. The force conditions on the blade were analyzed, and the influence of cutting edge angle and thickness on blade stress and strain was investigated. Simulation results showed that both stress and strain of the blade decreased first and then increased as the blade angle increased. Simultaneously, both stress and strain of the blade decreased first and then increased as blade thickness increased. When the blade thickness is small, the blade angle has a significant impact on the stress and strain of the blade. However, as blade thickness increased, the influence of the blade angle on stress and strain diminished gradually. Thickness 8 mm and cutting edge angle 30° were determined as the optimal values in this analysis. This study provides theoretical support for further blade design.

A model of the blade in the crushing module of a feed manufacturing machine was established. Using the Lsdyna module of the finite element software Ansys, the blade cutting process for corn cobs was simulated numerically. The force conditions on the blade were analyzed, and the influence of cutting edge angle and thickness on blade stress and strain was investigated. Simulation results showed that both stress and strain of the blade decreased first and then increased as the blade angle increased. Simultaneously, both stress and strain of the blade decreased first and then increased as blade thickness increased. When the blade thickness is small, the blade angle has a significant impact on the stress and strain of the blade. However, as blade thickness increased, the influence of the blade angle on stress and strain diminished gradually. Thickness 8 mm and cutting edge angle 30° were determined as the optimal values in this analysis. This study provides theoretical support for further blade design.