Explicit dynamics simulation of Pecan fruit deformation under compressive loading-Part-2: Explicit dynamics simulation procedure

Abstract

This study, which is divided into two parts, introduces an explicit dynamics simulation procedure for Pecan fruit (Carya illinoinensis) deformation under compressive loading. This second part of the study covers a microstructure investigation for the inner structure of the Pecan fruit components, discussions on the material models used in FEM-based simulation, and the explicit dynamics simulation procedures. An application algorithm based on experimental and theoretical methods is described in the study. Visual understanding and/or presenting a detailed description of the deformation behavior/characteristics for agricultural products through analytical calculations or/and physical experiments is a complicated phenomenon. Most especially, this phenomenon becomes more complicated for shelled edible agricultural products under varying loading cases. Numerical method based advanced engineering simulation techniques may be useful for a deeper visual understanding of agricultural product deformation behavior/characteristics. A major focus of the second part of the study detailed in this paper is finite element method (FEM) based explicit dynamics simulation procedures and the realistic representation of time dependant nonlinear deformation of Pecan fruit (kernel-in-shell) under a two plate compression loading case. Simulation results pointed out that the maximum equivalent stress values were 18.10, 11.50, and 1.14 MPa for whole Pecan fruit (kernel-in-shell), the shell and the kernel respectively. The stress values on the kernel were beyond the defined damage point of the kernel material (0.380 MPa). This indicated a permanent deformation/damage on the kernel at the end of the defined compression case. This study contributes to further research into the utilization of nonlinear explicit dynamics based deformation simulation studies for shelled edible agricultural products. Practical applications The simulation approach and application algorithm introduced in this two-part study is a scientific novelty because the explicit dynamics simulation approach for Pecan fruit deformation has not been previously reported in the literature. This second part introduces deeper investigations on material model description, microstructure investigation and FEM-based explicit dynamics simulation procedures. This simulation aims to represent a realistic nonlinear deformation case of the fruit which is very difficult to obtain through experimental and/or mathematical expressions. As a further step from other researchers, this study has introduced a novel realistic time-dependant nonlinear deformation simulation study based on experimental data. The findings have been presented in a form which may be used as input parameters in design studies for shelled agricultural product processing machinery systems used in related industries.