Fracture Resistance of Kola Nut (Cola nitida)

Abstract

Fracture Resistance of Kola Nut (Cola nitida)

Abstract

In order to design appropriate processing machineries, the knowledge of the force and deformation curve of agricultural materials is very important. In this research, fracture resistance of kolanut (cola nitida) was measured in terms of the rupture force, compressive stress, modulus of elasticity and energy absorbed. Kolanuts were quasi – statically loaded in horizontal and vertical orientations with moisture content at four levels (47.59 -61.41%) and loading rate of 5mm/min. The result showed that the compressive load decreased from 458.95 to 334.41 N and 605.46 to 228.10 N, compressive stress decreased from 0.40 to 0.30 MPa and 0.52 to 0.20 MPa and energy absorbed decreased from 3.46 to 1.81 J and 2.79 to 0.52 J, for vertical and horizontal orientations, respectively. These findings will be useful in the development of processing equipment for kolanuts