In this study, a simulation model of peanut pod particles during harvest in saline soil was tested to calibrate contact parameters. Discrete meta-fill models of peanut pods were generated by a 3D meter and EDEM software. The range of values of contact parameters for peanut pods was measured by conducting collision and other tests using a homemade test rig. The parameters that affect the significance of the simulation process of stacking angle were screened by the Plackett-Burman experiment, the steepest ascent experiment, and the Box-Behnken experiment. An optimization test determined the optimal simulation model parameters: The peanut pods had a Poisson’s ratio of 0.386 and a shear modulus of 3.04 MPa. The coefficient of recovery for pods-pods collisions was 0.335, the coefficient of static friction was 0.854, and the coefficient of rolling friction was 0.346. The coefficient of recovery of collision between the pods-65Mn steel was 0.339, the coefficient of static friction was 0.589, and the coefficient of rolling friction was 0.159. The test results showed a relative error of 0.42% between the stacking angle bench and simulation tests. The results can provide data support for studying the discrete metamaterial characterization of peanut pods.

During combined peanut harvesting operations, the separating device plays a crucial role in determining peanuts’ damage rate and impurity content. In order to enhance the quality and efficiency of peanut harvesting, this study investigates the separating device of a two-ridge and four-row half-feeder combine harvester. Firstly, the operating principle of the separating device was analyzed, and a combined air-and-screen separating device was selected. Secondly, based on the movement state of peanut pod impurities in different sections of the separating device surface, the theoretical analysis of peanut pod impurity movement was carried out, and the peanut pod impurity dynamics model was constructed. At the same time, CFD software was used to analyze the airflow field inside the separating device. Moreover, the test factors affecting the separating effect were explored: fan wind speed, separating device surface inclination, and vibration frequency. The optimal working parameters of the device were determined as follows: a fan wind speed of 8.9 m/s, a separating device surface inclination angle of 8.3° concerning the horizontal, and a separating device vibration frequency of 7.2 Hz. The impurity content rate of the peanut pods was 1.48%, and the damage rate of the separating device was 1.61%. Finally, the impurity content of peanuts in the validation experiment was 1.53%, and the peanut damage rate was 1.68%. The effectiveness of the separating device operation was verified through field tests. The potential for further research on peanut harvesters is highlighted based on the findings of this study.