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Ugama, G. N.
Agricultural Engineering and Irrigation Department, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
Jaliya, M. M.
Agricultural Engineering and Irrigation Department, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
Ugoani, A.
Department of Agricultural Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, PMB 1007, Uwana, Afikpo, Ebonyi State
Orji, P.
Department of Agricultural Extension and Economics, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
Sada, A. M.
Agricultural Engineering and Irrigation Department, National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
ABSTRACT
The knowledge of physical and mechanical properties of
agricultural produce is essential for designing the handling and processing
equipment, and in simulation and optimization processes. The knowledge helps to
optimize and stimulate the agro-processing machines. In view of this, some of
the physical and mechanical properties of Mucuna flagellipes like porosity,
bulk density, surface area, sphericity, flakiness ratio, elongation ratio,
projected area and compressive strength were investigated at a moisture content
of 18.5 %. This information is needed in design and construction of
agro-material handling/processing machines. Digital Vernier caliper, Oven,
electronic weighing scale, Universal Testing Machine and mathematical formula
were used to determine the aforementioned properties. The average major
diameter, minor diameter and thickness were (29.23 mm, 28.45 mm, 21.34mm)
respectively. The average values of arithmetic mean diameter, Dg, Ds,
De were (26.34 mm, 25.24 mm, 15.13 mm and 22.24 mm). The mean value
of sphericity was found to be 0.86. This signified that it can rotate easily
and freely since its value is close to one. The compressive strength of Mucuna
flagellipes under lateral loading gave the following values for mean, maximum,
minimum and standard deviation accordingly: 0.0105 KN, 0.0119 KN, 0.0076 KN,
0.00174 KN.
Keywords: Bulk density, moisture content, diameter, Mucuna flagellipes
https://doi.org/10.33922/j.ujet_v6i1_7
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Published
Monday, June 01, 2020
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1, June 2020
Article Section
GENERAL
The contents of the articles are the sole opinion of the author(s) and not of UJET.
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