Heat–Mass Transfer Coupled with Stress–Strain Model and Simulation for Vacuum Shelling of Chestnuts

Abstract

In order to investigate the vacuum shelling mechanisms of the chestnut, a mathematical model incorporating heat and mass transfer and stress–strain was developed for the process of vacuum shelling chestnuts by applying the heat and mass transfer theory, elasticity theory, and finite element method. The model was validated by comparing simulation and experimental results. The simulation results showed the transient temperature, moisture, and pressure gradient along the chestnut shell and the resulting thermal, moisture, and pressure difference stresses. It was found that shell cracking is more likely in the shell edge and the moisture stress played a dominant role in the vacuum shelling process. The effect of vacuum was also investigated in this article.