Finite element analysis of loaded silver carp in fish shearing machine clips

In order to find out the reasonable feeding way and optimize the structure of clips, then reduce mechanical damage of silver carp by clips during processing, the mechanical properties parameters of silver carp were determined and the finite element model of silver carp was established and validated based on the compression experiment. The results of finite element analysis for the load and deformation on silver carp in clips indicate that the main factors causing the mechanical damage of silver carp are the stress concentration and depression on the fish body under the compression and shearing action of clips’ top edge. The modified scheme for the curved surface shape and structure of clips were presented by the calculated results of finite element analysis. Meanwhile the optimum feeding way indicated by the results is to make the belly of fish downward.