Some mechanical properties of plantain fruit
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| Authors: | S. Asoegwu1, G. Nwandikom1, O. Nwammuo2 1Department of Agricultural Engineering Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria 2Department of Polymer and Textile Technology Federal University of Technology, P.M.B 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria |
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| Abstract : | A b s t r a c t. Using the Instron Testing Instrument (Model 1122) fitted with a flat-faced cylindrical plunger, prepared specimens of mature unripe plantain fruits (peeled and unpeeled) were compressed axially at 0.83, 1.67, 8.33, 16.67, 25.0, 33.33 x 10-5m s-1 loading rates. From the force-deformation curves generated, some selected mechanical properties-bioyield parameters, rupture parametersand modulus of deformation-were evaluated. The results show that forpeeled specimens, all the determined mechanical properties increased with increase in loading rate and with fruit cross-sectional area. For the unpeeled specimens the bioyield parameters and modulus of deformation increased with increase in loading rates > 8.33 x 10-5ms-1, white the rupture parameters decreased with increase in loading rates > 8.33 x 10-5m s-1. Only rupture strength, rupture energy and modulus of deformation for the unpeeled specimens decreased with increase in cross-sectional area All the other parameters for the unpeeled specimens increased with increase in cross-sectional area. Also all the determined parameters were higher for the peeled than for the unpeeled specimens for loading rates > 8.33 x 10-5m s-1. The part played by the peel was also highlighted. |
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| Keywords : | bioyield and rupture parameters, loading rate, mechanical properties, modulus of deforma¬tion, plantain fruit | ||||||||
| Language : | English | ||||||||