Physical and mechanical properties of Paradise Tree seeds (Simarouba glauca DC.)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of Paradise Tree seed for development of postharvest machine. The seeds containing an average moisture content of 67.40% moisture content wet basis were used throughout the study. The physical properties such as; the seed arithmetic mean diameter, geometrical mean diameter and density were evaluate. It was found that the sizes of the seeds were classified by the diameter into three categories which are small, medium and large corresponding to 12.9 ± 0.5, 13.0 ± 0.6 and 13.9 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The average geometrical mean diameters for small, medium and large sizes were 12.5 ± 0.5, 12.5 ± 0.5 and 13.5 ± 0.6 mm, respectively and the average densities of seeds (small, medium and large) were 446.7 ± 7.1, 427.0 ± 8.2 and 424.2 ± 6.9 kg/m³ respectively. The angles of repose of Paradise Tree seeds (small, medium and large) were 0.87 ± 0.04°, 0.86 ± 0.03° and 0.83 ± 0.04°, respectively. The mean coefficients of static friction of seeds on different surfaces which are wood, zinc, steel, stainless steel and rubber sheets were determined. The values for seeds having transverse movement were higher than those having longitudinal movement. The maximum compressive loads (N) on Paradise Tree seeds for all compression speeds (0.83, 3.13, and 7.08 mm/sec) occurred under the condition of compression on three sizes and three different position.