Abstract
This study aims to develop a finite element (FE) model to determine the mechanical responses of Exotica papayas during puncture loads. The FE model of the puncture-test was developed using the ANSYS 19.1 software. The proposed framework combined the finite element method and statistical procedure to validate the simulation with the experimental results. Assuming the elastic-plastic behaviour of papaya, the mechanical properties were measured through tensile test and compression test for both skin and flesh. The geometrical models include a quarter solid of papaya that was subjected to a puncture test with a 2 mm diameter flat-end stainless-steel probe inserted into the fruit tissues at 0.5 mm/s, 1 mm/s, 1.5 mm/s, 2 mm/s, and 2.5 mm/s. The FE results showed good agreement with the experimental data, indicating that the proposed approach was reliable. The FE model was best predicted the bioyield force with the highest relative error of 14.46%. In conclusion, this study contributes to the usage of FE methods for predicting the puncture responses of any perishable fruit and agricultural products.
Highlights
Papaya is one of the commercial fruits that is widely planted in most tropical and sub-tropical countries
The availability and accessibility of the papaya must be increased by reducing the number of post-harvest losses. Reduction in these losses would increase the number of fruits available for consumption and leads to growing consumer demand. This can be achieved by maintaining the textural quality and improving the shelf-life of the papaya during the handling process, mainly during the distribution from farm to retail
The present study focuses on developing an finite element (FE) model to predict the mechanical response of papaya, with the effect of different puncture velocities
Summary
Papaya is one of the commercial fruits that is widely planted in most tropical and sub-tropical countries. The average post-harvest losses reported for papaya in Malaysia is estimated at around 44% each year [1]. The availability and accessibility of the papaya must be increased by reducing the number of post-harvest losses. Reduction in these losses would increase the number of fruits available for consumption and leads to growing consumer demand. This can be achieved by maintaining the textural quality and improving the shelf-life of the papaya during the handling process, mainly during the distribution from farm to retail. The area or spot of impact can serve as infection sites for numerous wound pathogens that result in many severe diseases [2]
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