ABSTRACT To address the issue that the patterns of force variation when threshing components exert external forces on corn kernels during mechanical threshing remain unclear. This study defined the contact forces generated within corn ears under external load. A mathematical contact force model was developed using two corn varieties (Boyun 88 and Zhengdan 958) as experimental subjects. Experiments employed a contact force measurement device, with factors including corn ear section (small, middle, large), kernel position, and arrangement method. The resistance () encountered when inserting the wedge‐shaped pressure transfer device between corn kernels was used as the test indicator. Subsequently, a carpopodium fracture test device was used to explore the relationship between applied load and contact force of the kernel, thereby validating the contact force model. Results indicated that contact force was greater in the middle section, followed by the large section, and smaller in the small section. Furthermore, the offset values varied significantly between small and large sections but minimally within the middle section. Contact force was also found to be greater under interrow interlace kernel arrangements, followed by opposite‐row arrangements, and smaller under intra‐row arrangements. Compared to regularly arranged kernels, contact force transmission exhibited a wider range in irregularly arranged areas. Crucially, kernel detachment occurs when the combined contact force exceeds the carpopodium connection force. This research provides essential theoretical support for designing low‐damage corn threshing components and developing associated mechanical threshing equipment.
Li et al. (Mon,) studied this question.