Determination of Physical and Aerodynamic Characteristics of African Olive (Canarium Schweinfurthii) Nut

Abstract

This study investigated the physical and aerodynamic properties of African olive (Canarium schweinfurthii) nuts. The nut mass frequency was identified and three fractions of the nut were defined to determine their properties. Generally, it was observed that the physical and aerodynamic characteristics of the nut were significantly influenced by the unit mass. Comparison of means revealed that the mean values of the nut physical and aerodynamic properties were significantly different between fractions at p<0.05 except for the true density. The static angle of repose appeared higher than the dynamic angle of repose for all the nut fractions. The coefficient of static friction of the nut fractions on different material surfaces was highest on plywood and lowest on Formica®. The terminal velocity and Reynolds number showed a high correlation to unit mass and regression models were developed in the form of linear and polynomial relationships. The results of this study will be helpful in the design of handling, and processing systems for Canarium schweinfurthii nuts.