Effect of Moisture Content and Loading Orientation on Mechanical Properties of Bush Mango (Irvingia gabonensis) Nut

Authors

  • NDUBISI A. AVIARA UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI, MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA
  • Idowu J. Iyilade University of Ibadan, Ibadan
  • Samuel K. Oyeniyi University of Ibadan, Ibadan
  • Ademola K. Aremu University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Keywords:

Mechanical properties, bush mango nut, Irvingia gabonensis, moisture content, loading orientation, Universal Testing Machine (UTM)

Abstract

The use of inappropriate equipment to crack bush mango nut and obtain the kernel has adversely affected the efficiency of its processing operations. The manual method, which involves cracking the nut with stone or pestle and mortar, is not only slow and risky, but also wasteful. In order to develop appropriate processing equipment for the nut, knowledge of its mechanical properties is necessary. This study was undertaken to determine some strength properties of the nut at different moisture contents under lateral and longitudinal loading orientations, using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). In the moisture range of 7.52% - 20.6% (d.b) under both lateral and longitudinal loading orientations, results of tests showed that all the strength properties (bioyield point, yield point, rupture point, bioyield strength, rupture strength, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of resilience and modulus of toughness) of the nut decreased significantly with increase in moisture content. Loading along the longitudinal axis had higher strength property values than lateral loading. This implies that the nut will be easier to crack when loaded on the lateral axis. These findings will be useful in the development of cracking equipment for bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis) nut.

Author Biographies

NDUBISI A. AVIARA, UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI, MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

Dept of Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering

University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Professor

Idowu J. Iyilade, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Dept of Agric. and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Samuel K. Oyeniyi, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Dept of Agric and Environm Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Ademola K. Aremu, University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Dept of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Professor

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Published

2019-01-25

Issue

Section

VI-Postharvest Technology and Process Engineering