Experimental Research on the Bending Characteristics of Glycyrrhiza glabra Stems

Abstract

HighlightsA quadratic orthogonal rotation combination design was used to test the influences of four factors.The significant influence of each factor was obtained using the analysis of variance method.Interactions of the factors were analyzed using the response surface method.Abstract. To provide a theoretical basis for the design of harvesting and processing machinery for Glycyrrhiza glabra stems and for energy conservation during processing, the bending characteristics of G. glabra stems were studied. The comprehensive influences of four factors (loading position diameter, loading speed, span, and moisture content) on the bending characteristics of G. glabra stems were tested using a quadratic orthogonal rotation combination design. The results indicated that the single factors loading position diameter and span had a significant influence on the bending characteristics of G. glabra stems. In addition, as the loading position diameter increased, the maximum bending force and bending energy of G. glabra stems tended to increase, while the bending stress tended to decrease. As the span increased, the maximum bending force and bending energy of G. glabra stems tended to decrease, while the bending stress tended to increase. As the moisture content increased, the maximum bending force and bending stress of G. glabra stems tended to decrease, while the influence on bending energy was not significant. The loading speed had no influence on the bending characteristics of G. glabra stems. The interaction between loading position diameter and span had a significant influence on the maximum bending force and bending energy, and the interactions between loading position diameter and moisture content and between loading speed and span had a significant influence on the maximum bending stress. This study on the bending characteristics of G. glabra stems can provide a theoretical basis for the design of harvesting and processing equipment and for the pretreatment of G. glabra stems. Keywords: Bending characteristics, Licorice, Loading position, Loading speed, Moisture content, Span.