Studies on the nutritive characteristics and fracture resistance to compressive loading of selected bambara groundnut lines

Extensive laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the nutritive characteristics and fracture resistance to compressive loading of some bambara groundnut lines. Data obtained showed percentage carbohydrate, protein and oil contents of 52.60, 17.52 and 6.66 respectively for dehulled bambara groundnut seeds as against lower percentage values of 48.60, 16.99 and 6.20 obtained from the analysis of whole seeds of BgB-Br. Investigations on the mechanical properties revealed that the force needed to rupture the seeds was influenced by moisture content and loading position of the seeds. The force was found to decrease from 262 to 100 N with increase in moisture content, while the deformation increased from 1.9 to 4.5 mm with increase in moisture content. Maximum toughness occurred at different moistures which represent the moisture levels for absorbing compressive energy which are important for resisting mechanical damage during handling of the bambara groundnut lines. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry