The Influence of Size and Variety on the Compressive Behaviour of Groundnut Kernel

Abstract

Some compressive properties (failure force, failure energy, toughness, rupture power and firmness) of two groundnut varieties (SAMNUT 10 and SAMNUT 11) were examined in terms of their kernel size, in this research. The compressive test of the kernel was done by using the Universal Testing Machine (Testometric model), at three kernel size categories (small, medium and large). During the quasi-static test, each kernel was loaded in the axial orientation and compressed as the loading rate of 20 mm/min. From the results gotten from the test, kernel size and groundnut variety influenced all the compressive properties significantly (P ≤0.05). But the interaction of groundnut variety and kernel size had no significant (P ≤ 0.05) effect on all the five parameters studied. Failure force, failure energy, rupture power and firmness of the kernel rupture increased with increase with kernel size for both groundnut varieties. However, the highest values of toughness were measured for the small kernel, while the large kernel had the lowest toughness. The Results will be helpful in the design and fabrication of packaging and storage equipment of groundnut kernels.