Umudike Journal of Engineering and Technology

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of moisture content at three different moisture content levels (14.5%, 20%, and 30% wet basis) on the physical and mechanical properties of an African oil bean.  These properties were important in the design of appropriate machines for harvesting, processing, transporting, separating, packaging and storage processes. The average major diameter, minor diameter and thickness of African oil bean seed at 14.5%, 20% and 30% were (59.584 mm, 60.269 mm and 65.332 mm), (38.008 mm, 42.0499 mm and 48.801 mm) and (12.345 mm, 114.735 mm and 13.328 mm), respectively and fairly larger than many other oil seeds. Seed weight, seed volume and seed density at the three levels of moisture content in the same order were (15.38g, 20.2 cm³ and 23.42 g/cm³), (15.78g, 19.78 cm³ and 23.02 g/cm³) and (823.31g, 978.225 cm³ and 1096.646 g/cm³) respectively. The size, sphericity and surface area at the same levels of moisture content were (30.3145 mm, 0.509% and 119.9632 mm²), (33.4975 mm, 0.552% and 176.8843 mm²) and (35.698 mm, 0.523% and 150.1343 mm²), respectively. Porosity, angle of repose and specific gravity at different level of moisture content of 14.5%, 20% and 30% for wood, glass and metal were (98.4%, 102^o, 102.3), (93%, 83.1^o and 86.8) and (81.2%, 91.8^o and 99.6), respectively. Mechanical properties decreases with increase in moisture content for compressive strength, bio-yield force, rupture force and deformation. The more it absorbs water the less force it requires to rupture. The ANOVA conducted under P