Abstract
Numerical implementation methods such as the finite element method can be used in machine design to study the dynamic behavior of the plant. Input parameters for using the finite element method should be set based on the geometrical, physical and mechanical system under study. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of the rachis of macaw palm in the green maturation stage at an age of 180 days and at fruit maturation. The water content was calculated using the oven method of 105 ± 3°C for 24 hours. The modulus of elasticity for the rachis was determined by means of mechanical compression testing. The Poisson's ratios were determined from the results of the longitudinal and transverse deformation of rachis test bodies. The shear tests were performed in two scenarios. In the first one, a blade was used without a tensioner, and in the second scenario, a blade was fixed with a tensioner, characterized by a chamfer at 45°. It was concluded that the modulus of elasticity of macaw palm rachis in the green maturity stage was higher than the values for the mature stage of ripeness.
Highlights
The macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a native palm of tropical America, occurring from Central America to the extreme south of the American continent (Motoike et al, 2013)
After analyzing the average water content of the macaw palm rachis for the BGP 12, BGP 13, and BGP 53 sites, no significant differences were observed between the stages of maturation from immature to mature fruits (Table 1)
Comparing the average water contents for the same stage of maturation, it can be observed that there are no significant differences between sites in the immature stage
Summary
The macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a native palm of tropical America, occurring from Central America to the extreme south of the American continent (Motoike et al, 2013). The adult palm is arboreal, between 10 and 15 m in height, with a high number of spines in its trunk (Montoya, Motoike, Kuki, Oliveira, & Honório, 2015). Mature macaw palm fruits are slightly flattened globes of yellowish-brown coloring, with a diameter varying from 3 to 6 cm. The oils are extracted from two parts of the fruit, the almond and the pulp. Oil withdrawn from the former represents approximately 15% of total oil withdrawn from the plant and has notable uses in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Oil withdrawn from the latter has greater potential for biodiesel production (Nobre, Trogello, Borghetti, & David, 2014)
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