Measurement of Engineering Properties Necessary to the Design of Drumstick (Moringa oleifera L.) Pod Sheller

Purpose: Designing equipment for processing, sorting, and other post-harvest operations of agricultural products requires information about their physical properties. This study was conducted to investigate some of the mechanical and physical properties of Moringa oleifera L. pods and seeds. Methods: Properties such as the length, width, thickness, bulk density, porosity, mass, static coefficient of friction, and angle of repose were determined as a function of moisture content. Statistical data and force-deformation curves obtained at each loading orientation and moisture level were analyzed for bioyield point, bioyield strength, yield force, rupture point, and rupture strength using a testrometric machine. Result: The basic dimensions (length, width, and thickness) of moringa pods and seeds were found to increase linearly from 311.15 to 371.45 mm, 22.79 to 31.22 mm, and 22.24 to 29.88 mm, respectively, in the moisture range of 12 to 49.5% d.b. The coefficient of friction for both pods and seeds increased linearly with an increase in moisture content on all the surfaces used. The highest value was recorded on mild steel, with 0.581 for pods and 0.3533 for seeds, and the lowest on glass for pods, with a value of 0.501, and of 0.2933 for seeds on galvanized steel. The bioyield and rupture forces, bioyield and rupture energies, and deformation of the pods decreased with an increase in moisture content to a minimum value, then increased with further decrease within the moisture content range, while the yield force increased to a maximum value and then decreased as the moisture content increased. Conclusion: These results will help to determine the most suitable conditions for processing, transporting, and storing moringa pods, and to provide relevant data useful in designing handling and processing equipment for the crop.