Mechanical behavior of pistachio nut and its kernel under compression loading

Some mechanical properties of five varieties of Iranian pistachio nut and its kernel (namely; Akbari, Badami, Kalle-Ghuchi, Momtaz and O’hadi) were determined. These properties include rupture force, deformation and rupture energy. Samples at various moisture contents were compressed along the X-, Y- and Z-axes. The X-axis was considered the loading axis through the length dimension, while the Y-axis was the transverse axis containing the minor dimension (width) at right angles to the X-axis, and Z-axis was assumed the transverse axis containing the minimum dimension (thickness). The results showed that rupture force, deformation and rupture energy values decrease with increasing moisture content. The maximum rupture force, deformation and rupture energy values at all moisture levels as well as for all varieties were obtained for pistachio nut loaded along the X-axis. Compression along the Y-axis required less compressive force among the other two compression axes to extract the kernels.     

Mechanical strength and rheological behaviour of barley kernels

Basic mechanical and rheological properties (stress relaxation behaviour) of single barley kernels under uni-axial compression were studied. The mechanical properties studied were the modulus of elasticity, yield and ultimate compressive strength, and the modulus of toughness as influenced by the moisture content. The stress relaxation experiments also included the effect of deformation rates and strain levels.
Results indicated that with an increase in moisture content, the strength of the barley kernels decreased while the energy required to cause rupture in the kernel increased initially and then decreased. The stress relaxation behaviour of barley kernels was described by a threeterm Maxwell model with a Maximum Relative Difference (MRD) ≤5%, when compared with one- and two-term Maxwell models. The elastic component (E¹) and relaxation time constant (τ¹) of the first term of the three-term Maxwell model decreased linearly with increase in moisture content. Of the different variables studied, moisture content had a significant influence on both of these parameters.     

Micromechanical properties of almond kernels with various moisture content levels

Almond fruits are subjected to various mechanical stresses throughout production, from harvest to processing, storage and packaging. Kernel properties play an important role in reducing mechanical damage such as scratches and penetration of shell pieces. Knowledge of kernel properties under various conditions of the fruit can assist in optimising post-harvest and processing lines to minimise kernel damage and thus maximise final kernel quality. Kernel moisture content is one of the main attributes affecting the kernel’s response to mechanical processing. Increasing the kernel moisture content to an optimum level through wetting fruit prior to processing can lead to a reduced percentage of damaged kernel. Water added to the structure of kernels acted as a plasticiser and helped the kernels to absorb the mechanical load instead of fracturing and breaking into pieces. In this study, tests were conducted on almond kernels with different moisture content levels from 5.52 to 14.09g/100g wet basis. Kernels from a Nonpareil variety were tested in dried and wetted conditions. Test results showed that kernels with higher moisture content were able to undergo a larger deformation at a given force value in comparison with dry kernels. Average deformation for dry samples was from 0.12 mm, which increased to an average of 0.25 mm in wetted samples. The effect of skin on the mechanical properties of the kernels (with and without skin) was studied using a mechanical tester. The test results showed a peak force value in samples tested with skin in comparison with the kernels tested without skin.     

Strength and Frictional Properties of Popcorn Kernel as Affected by Moisture Content

Strength properties and dynamic coefficient of friction of popcorn kernels were evaluated as a function of moisture content in the range of 7.78–16.72 g/100 g dry solids. In order to determine strength properties of the kernels that are in terms of deformation at rupture point, rupture force, energy absorbed, hardness, and toughness of the popcorn kernels were quasi-statically loaded between two parallel plates. To determine frictional properties, friction tests were performed on aluminum, steel, and fiberglass surfaces. The values related to the strength properties, in general, decreased as the moisture content increased. On the other hand, the dynamic coefficient of friction of the popcorn kernels increased with increasing moisture content.     

Effect of moisture content on mechanical properties of rice kernels under quasi-static compressive loading

Quasi-static compressive tests to determine the static mechanical properties of individual rice kernals were carried out on specimens tested uniaxially along the longitudinal axis. Apparent elastic modulus, failure stress, failure strain and energy density at failure were determined at five or six different moisture content levels ranging from 5% to 30% on dry basis (db). Compression speeds of 5 mm min⁻¹ and 10 mm min⁻¹ were used.Statistical analysis of the test results showed that moisture content had profound influence on the properties examined, especially in the range of 12% db to 18% db where quite drastic changes occur. An explanation in terms of bound water and free water in the kernel is given.     

Carbohydrate composition and color development during drying and roasting of macadamia nuts (Macadamia integrifolia)

Research was conducted to determine whether variability in sugar content contributes to differences in kernel browning during processing of macadamia nut (Macadamia integrifolia) cultivars, Kau (HAES 344), Keaau (HAES 660), Keauhou (HAES 246), and Kakea (HAES 508). At harvest, total sugar content of fresh macadamia kernels varied from 2.9 to 5.6 g/100 g dry weight basis (db), and the average moisture content ranged from 15.6 to 23.6 g/100 g fresh weight. Cultivars differed in kernel sucrose content, but not reducing sugar content. Reducing sugars decreased during drying, and kernel centers darkened slightly. An incremental drying process limited sucrose hydrolysis, minimizing the amount of glucose and fructose available for browning reactions. Therefore, the centers of roasted kernels were not darker than dried kernels. The variability in sugar composition in fresh kernels had a minimal impact on color quality when low-temperature drying and roasting at 125 °C were used. However, when roasted kernels received from a processor were separated based on color quality, kernels with internal or external browning had higher reducing sugar concentrations (0.24-0.27 g/100 g db) than cream-colored kernels (0.03 g/100 g db). Immature kernels had higher sucrose and reducing sugar contents and more browning than mature kernels. During commercial processing, optimal conditions may not be achieved and the presence of immature nuts can contribute to kernel browning.     

Deformation and Dehulling of Sponge Gourd (Luffa aegyptiaca) Seeds

This work presents the compressive strength properties of sponge gourd (Luffa aegyptica) seeds to facilitate the design or adaptation of an appropriate dehuller. The sizes and shape indices of the seed and kernel, and the clearance of the kernel from the seed coat were determined. The seed samples were subjected to uni-axial quasi-static compression tests at 1.0 mm min^?1 along the minor and the major axes. The fracture resistance, stiffness modulus, modulus of elasticity, toughness, and maximum elastic deformation of the seed were obtained from the force-deformation curve. The geometric mean diameters varied from 4.0 to 4.5 mm for the seed and 1.6 to 3.9 mm for the embedded kernel; while their corresponding sphericities were 0.64 and 0.62, respectively. The compressive strength of the seed varied with loading orientation. The seed exhibited larger deformation but lower stiffness along the major axis than the minor axis. The force required for rupturing the hull were 95 N along the major axis and 81 N along the minor axis; while the corresponding energy required were 95 and 40 mJ.     

Moisture Dependent Geometric and Mechanical Properties of Wild Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Nut and Kernel

In this research, wild pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nuts and kernels were analyzed for selected geometric properties and mechanical behavior under compression loading. The average length, width and thickness arithmetic and geometric mean diameter of wild pistachio nuts at 5.83% w.b. were 13.98, 8.76, 7.25, 9.93, and 9.75 mm, while the corresponding values of kernels at 6.03% w.b. moisture content were 11.07, 5.92, 4.83, 7.21, and 6.88 mm, respectively. As the moisture content of pistachio nut increased from 5.83 to 30.73% w.b., the bulk density, apparent density and terminal velocity were found to increase from 521 to 543 kgm^?3, 809 to 829 kgm^?3, and 5.51 to 6.29 ms^?1, respectively, whereas porosity decreased from 35.14% to 34.63%. The results revealed that wild pistachio nut required higher rupture force and energy to crack wild pistachio nuts for compression along the L-axis as compared to other two axes.     

Moisture Dependent Physical Properties of Dry Sweet Corn Kernels

Physical properties of sweet corn kernels have been evaluated as a function of kernel moisture content, varying from 9.12 to 17.06% (db). In the moisture range, kernel length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter increased linearly from 9.87 to11.09 mm, 7.41 to 9.25 mm, 3.25 to 4.37 mm, and 6.18 to 7.62 mm, respectively, with increase in moisture content from 9.12–17.06%. The sphericity index, kernel volume, kernel surface area, and thousand seed weight increased linearly from 62.6 to 68.8, 93.8 to 194.3 mm³, 120.1 to 182.9 mm², and 220 to 268 gr, respectively. Apparent density and bulk density decreased linearly from 1.315 to 1.232 g/cm³ and 0.765 to 0.698 g/cm³, respectively, while bulk porosity increased from 41.8 to 43.3%. The highest static coefficient of friction was found on the plywood surface. The static coefficient of friction increased from 0.680 to 0.891, 0.605 to 0.741, and 0.530 to 0.644 for plywood, galvanized iron, and aluminum surfaces, respectively. The angle of repose increased linearly from 30.2 to 35.2° with the increase of moisture content.     

含水量对小麦麦仁膨化品质的影响

分析了小麦麦仁的含水量对麦仁膨化品质的影响,为小麦麦仁的精深加工提供科学依据。将小麦麦仁含水量调节到8%,10%,12%1,4%,16%,18%和20%7个水平,测定麦仁膨化品质。结果表明,在小麦麦仁品质和膨化压力等因素一致的条件下,小麦麦仁含水量对麦仁膨化品质的影响非常明显。最大的膨胀体积,鳞片大小和最小的未膨胀率在麦仁分含水量为16%取得。另外,膨化后的麦仁粉峰值黏度,谷值黏度,末值黏度,衰减值和回生值都比未膨化麦仁粉低,膨化后的麦仁粉凝胶硬度和咀嚼性比原麦仁粉降低。     

Evaluation of the effect of moisture content on cereal grains by digital image analysis

Physical appearance and kernel morphology significantly affect the grade of a harvested crop in addition to other factors such as test weight, percentage of foreign matter and constituent components. Moisture content of grain can potentially affect the physical appearance and kernel morphology. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of moisture content on the classification capability of colour, morphology and textural features of imaged grains. Colour images of individual kernels and bulk samples of three grain types, namely Canada Western Amber Durum (CWAD) wheat, Canada Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat and barley were acquired using a machine vision system. The grain kernels were conditioned to 12%, 14%, 16%, 18% and 20% moisture contents before imaging. Previously developed algorithms were used to extract 123 colour, 56 textural features from bulk sample images and 123 colour, 56 textural, 51 morphological features from individual kernel images. The extracted features were analysed for the effect of moisture content. Statistical classifiers and a back propagation neural network model were used for classifying the grain bulk at different moisture contents. The colour and textural features of bulk grain images were affected by the moisture content more than that of the single kernel images.     

Moisture-dependent properties of barnyard millet grain and kernel

The geometric mean diameter, sphericity, grain surface area, 1000 grain mass, true density (toluene displacement method), terminal velocity, dynamic angle of repose, coefficient of internal friction, coefficient of static friction at different surfaces (sun mica, canvas and mild steel surfaces), specific deformation and rupture energy of the grain were found to increase 12.21%, 4.79%, 30.47%, 30.75%, 6.74%, 32.99%, 127.05%, 60%, 18.57%, 34–67%, 69.2% and 88.87% respectively at increase of moisture content from 0.065 to 0.265 kg kg⁻¹ dry matter. However, true density (proximate composition method), bulk density, interstices and rupture force of grain was found to be decrease 8.64%, 20.1%, 86.49% and 21.17% respectively at increase of moisture content. Similar trend was observed for barnyard kernel also. True density (toluene displacement method) was found lower as compared to true density (proximate composition method) at all experimental moisture range indicated that the presence of void space inside the grain and kernel.     

The Effects of Moisture Content, Compression Speeds, and Axes on Mechanical Properties of Walnut Cultivars

In this study, the mechanical properties of walnut (Juglans regia L.) cultivars were investigated as a function of moisture content. The experiments were carried out at three moisture contents, compression speeds (0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm/s), and compression axes (X-, Y-, and Z-axes). The highest rupture force and rupture power in all moisture contents were obtained for walnut cultivars loaded along the Y-axis. Rupture force, rupture energy, and rupture power of walnuts decreased in magnitude with an increase of moisture content, while rupture force, specific deformation, rupture energy, and rupture power increased with an increase of compression speeds. The highest rupture force was obtained with load along the Y-axis as 410.4 N and 394.3 N and also the highest rupture force was recorded at 1.5 mm/s compression speed as 260.7 N and 377.1 N for Yalova-1 and Yalova-3 cultivars, respectively. A linear force decrease was observed from 320.5 N to 196.4 N and from 492.7 N to 247.1 N with increasing moisture content from 11.46% to 23.16% and from 11.25% to 19.47% for Yalova-1 and Yalova-3, respectively. The highest rupture force, specific deformation, rupture energy, and rupture power were obtained at 1.5 mm/s compression speed, while the lowest rupture force was obtained at 0.5 mm/s compression speed for walnut cultivars. The lower rupture force and rupture power were obtained with load along Z-axis for Yalova-1 and Yalova-3 walnut cultivars. The results revealed that the higher compression speed and Z-axis could be recommended for cracking of shelled walnuts.     

Dropping macadamia nuts‐in‐shell reduces kernel roasting quality

BACKGROUND: Macadamia nuts (‘nuts‐in‐shell’) are subjected to many impacts from dropping during postharvest handling, resulting in damage to the raw kernel. The effect of dropping on roasted kernel quality is unknown. Macadamia nuts‐in‐shell were dropped in various combinations of moisture content, number of drops and receiving surface in three experiments. After dropping, samples from each treatment and undropped controls were dry oven‐roasted for 20 min at 130 °C, and kernels were assessed for colour, mottled colour and surface damage. RESULTS: Dropping nuts‐in‐shell onto a bed of nuts‐in‐shell at 3% moisture content or 20% moisture content increased the percentage of dark roasted kernels. Kernels from nuts dropped first at 20%, then 10% moisture content, onto a metal plate had increased mottled colour. Dropping nuts‐in‐shell at 3% moisture content onto nuts‐in‐shell significantly increased surface damage. Similarly, surface damage increased for kernels dropped onto a metal plate at 20%, then at 10% moisture content. CONCLUSION: Postharvest dropping of macadamia nuts‐in‐shell causes concealed cellular damage to kernels, the effects not evident until roasting. This damage provides the reagents needed for non‐enzymatic browning reactions. Improvements in handling, such as reducing the number of drops and improving handling equipment, will reduce cellular damage and after‐roast darkening. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Structural characteristics of sorghum kernel: Effects of temperature

In this study, the effect of cold water, hot water, and steam tempering on sorghum kernel physical and mechanical properties was studied. Single kernel characteristics (SKCS), abrasive hardness, structural changes, and texture of kernels were evaluated as an effect of temperature. At the same moisture level, cold water tempered sorghum had both higher SKCS hardness and abrasive hardness than hot water and steam tempered sorghum kernels. The increase in abrasive hardness, SKCS-hardness index was highly correlated with the moisture content of kernel. The abrasive hardness index, which represents the pericarp properties, did not show any correlation with moisture content but had correlation to the structural changes. The SEM images indicated the structural changes in pericarp after hot water and steam treatment. Steam tempering methods made the pericarp tougher than the cold water and hot water tempering methods and, meanwhile, softened the endosperm by adding moisture to the kernel.     

COMPACTION BEHAVIOR OF BULK WHOLE CORN KERNEL AT PRESSURES UP TO 34.6 MN/m2

The compaction behavior of whole corn kernel (1.8–22.0% mc, w. b.) was investigated by axial compression in an 18.5 mm diameter die using the Amatek Universal Testing Machine at 28°C. The maximum applied pressure in each experiment was 34.6 MN/m² at loading rates of 0.028, 0.28, and 2.8 mm/s. Sample failure due to oil expression or sample extrusion did not occur in any test run. However, extensive physical rupture of corn kernels occurred at 1.8% moisture content and at lesser but significant levels at 6.6 and 9.7% moisture. At 15.9 and 22.0% moisture, samples were plastically deformed but little macroscopic kernel damage was evident. The effectiveness of compaction increased dramatically as moisture content increased up to 22.0% and then appeared to gradually decline with further increase in moisture. The average compression ratio at zero pressure varied from an average low of 1.70 at 1.8% to an average high of 1.92 at 22.0% mc corresponding to reductions in corn volume of 41 and 47%, respectively. In contrast, loading rate had little effect on density-pressure profiles. The latter were not adequately characterized by powder compaction models reported in the literature. Substantial volumes of internal tissue gas were estimated with an average maximum of 21% in 15.9% moisture corn kernels. The extent of stress relaxation after termination of compaction increased as loading rate increased and was highest in 15.9% moisture corn. The pressures required for the ejection of compacted corn from the 18.5 mm die varied from 0.5 to 2.1 MN/m² and revealed an average maximum value at 9.7% moisture. Ejection pressures were substantially independent of loading rate. The most stable compacted corn samples were those produced at the 15.9% moisture level although the compact stability in general was very poor indeed.     

Mechanical behaviour of hazelnuts used for table consumption under compression loading

Nuts of four hazelnut varieties and five new selections used for table consumption were compressed at the moisture content of 6% wet basis to measure shell resistance to breakage. Rupture force, rupture energy and nut specific deformation were measured under three compression loading positions. Physical parameters of nuts were also evaluated to relate them to the data obtained by compression test measurements. Rupture force and nut specific deformation are the most discriminant parameters that can be used to describe the behaviour under compression, while rupture energy values show fewer differences among the considered varieties. The values of force required to break nut shell ranged from 322.2 to 769.3 N. The lowest values of force were generally obtained along the y‐axis, the transverse axis containing the major dimension at right angles to the longitudinal axis. Nut specific deformation ranged from 3.35 to 11.76%. Correlations between physical and texture parameters showed that values of force, energy and deformation were dependent on different parameters that varied in the three considered axis. The most used varieties, Ennis and Barcelona, showed high mean values of force rupture to break shell and low deformability, while Tonda Giffoni and Tonda Bianca were easy to break. Among the new selections, L35 and B6, with mean values of force rupture less than 428 N and values of nut specific deformation higher than 8%, were suitable for table consumption. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Size and Moisture Distribution Characteristics of Walnuts and Their Components

The objective of this study was to determine the size characteristics and moisture content (MC) distributions of individual walnuts and their components, including hulls, shells, and kernels under different harvest conditions. Measurements were carried out for three walnut varieties, Tulare, Howard, and Chandler cultivated in California, USA. The samples for each variety were collected from the harvester at the first and second harvest of nuts treated with and without ethephon. The nuts were sorted into two categories as with hulls and without hulls before conducting dimension and MC measurements. The results showed that there was a wide range of size distribution for nuts with and without hulls and a huge variability in moisture content among individual nuts at harvest. The average MC of nuts with hulls was much higher than that of nuts without hulls for all tested varieties. The nuts with hulls had an average moisture content of 32.99% compared to 13.86% for nuts without hulls. Also, the shell moisture content was much higher than kernel moisture content. On average, the differences in moisture content between shell and kernel was 11.56% for nuts with hulls and 6.45% for nuts without hulls. There was no significant deference in hull MC between the first and second harvest for the studied varieties. Based on the regression analysis, it was observed that strong relationships exist between the MC of shells and kernels. The obtained results provide information for designing and developing new handling and processing equipments, especially for increased drying capacity, reduced energy use, and obtaining high-quality walnut products.     

双扩散传热传质模型及在横向谷冷通风中应用

本文首先建立了单颗粒小麦内部水分迁移模型,基于有限元的方法数值模拟了颗粒内部水分变化规律,通过回归数值模拟数据,得到了颗粒平均水分模型和平均水分变化的干燥(或吸湿)速率模型。在此基础上推导出了谷物颗粒堆积床双扩散传热传质模型,并采用有限元的方法数值模拟分析了就仓横向(水平)谷冷通风时仓储粮堆内部热湿耦合传递规律。通过比较数值模拟和实验测定数据,验证了所建立的模型的合理性。分析了横向谷冷通风时粮粒温度和水分以及粮粒周围空气温度的变化规律,探讨了横向谷冷通风时粮堆内部降温效果。     

Penetration of juice into rice through vacuum drying

Vacuum drying was employed to penetrate rice with juice. Red beetroot juice, good source of color and functional compounds, was used. After mixing with beetroot juice and vacuum drying, cracks were formed in the rice kernel surface and the rice kernels were a red-violet color. The degree of visual kernel surface cracking, the fracturability of whole rice kernels, and the DPPH scavenging activity were increased with increasing amounts of added juice. The visual kernel surface cracking was found to be beneficial for deep penetration and juice accumulation within three varieties of rice kernels (Sanpatong 1, Kaow Dok Mali 105, and Chainat 1) and two storage time periods (one month and one year). The final moisture content of the rice kernels after vacuum drying was sufficiently low for good storage quality. No heat treatment is required. The findings imply that other functional liquids/solutions would be also vacuum-impregnated in rice grains. Functional properties of rice could be effectively improved with a vacuum drying technique.