Dynamic load response in a model bin at the start of grain discharge

The dynamic response of the vertical wall and bottom loads at the start of grain discharge was influenced by wall configuration and filling method for model bins in plug flow. Experiments were conducted with wheat in cylindrical smooth wall and corrugated bins which were 0.6 m in diameter and 2.4 m high. Central spout and sprinkle filling methods were tested. The highest wall load increase was observed for the smooth wall bin when centrally filled. The corrugated wall and sprinkle Filing method produced the smallest wall load increase. A peaked response of the dynamic wall load was observed for both bin wall surfaces which were center filled. Two steps of wall load increase after the start of discharge were observed for sprinkle filling of the smooth wall bin, one occurred immediately after orifice opening and the second occurred after 1 to 2 min of discharge.