Potato creep analysis during storage using experimental measurement and finite element method (FEM)

Abstract

Analysis of static forces has an important role in bulk storage of agricultural products. The forces exerted on individual fruits, vegetables, or grains cause mechanical damage to them and lead to their permanent deformation. By analyzing the forces involved, we can manage them with proper methods and prevent the creation of waste. In this research, by conducting experiments, the required parameters for potato samples were obtained and simulated through the finite element method under load. Creep and tension tests were conducted on a cylindrical potato sample with the diameter and height of 25 mm. Apparent shear modulus had been extracted over time and imported to the Abaqus 2016. Simulation results showed that the maximum tension of 0.061 MPa occurred in layers near the pressure plate. Tension concentration caused the maximum tension of 0.07 MPa in the center of the potato. In accordance with the created tension, maximum displacement of 0.35 mm occurred in contact layer with the pressure plate and by moving away from this plate, displacement decreased linearly and reached to zero at bottom layer. The results showed that measuring the forces in storage and knowing the forces applied to the product can be effective in controlling the storage quality of agricultural products and reducing waste. Practical Applications Analysis of static forces has important role in bulk storage of agricultural products. By analyzing the involving forces, they can be managed with proper methods and prevent the creation of waste. This paper found that maximum stress and damage occur at force inserted areas and in areas of tubers are in contact with external material like transporting and storage boxes. Then, it should be tried to fabricate new flexible and viscoelastic materials such as polymers which acts like tubers in contact areas to decrease tubers’ stress to minimum value at contact points. Also more attention should be paid to stress concentration that may occur inside tubers which can lead to crush and destroy the product. Stacking more tubers on storage which can increase inserted stress beyond the value that leads to stress concentration should be avoided.

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Methodology for energy demand reduction of potato cold storage process

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