Internal mechanical damage prediction in tomato compression using multiscale finite element models

Abstract

The mechanical damage of exocarp, mesocarp and locular gel tissues of three and four locular tomatoes subjected to an external compressive force were predicted using multiscale finite element models. The simulation factors consisted of three loading positions and five external forces. Results showed that the locular gel tissue would have mechanical damage prior to the mesocarp and exocarp tissues as force was applied to the fruit. Internal structural characteristics of the tomato had an obvious effect on the mechanical damage behavior of the tissues. The deformed displacement of the tissues was highest for four locular tomatoes compressed at a position midway between adjacent cross walls (P2) and was lowest for four locular tomatoes compressed from a position at the cross wall (P3) at the same external force. The simulated data confirmed the experimental results and were able to predict the internal mechanical damage of tomatoes.