Mechanical properties of crisp pear peel and flesh as affect by storage temperature

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is important to have an understanding of the mechanical properties of crisp pears in order to assess their resistance to damage and investigate their compression patterns. Through tensile and compression tests, this study measured the elastic modulus, tensile strength, compressive strength and other parameters of Pucheng Crisp Pear, explored the effect of storage temperature on the mechanical properties of crisp pears, and developed a storage temperature-mechanical property prediction model. The results of the pear peel tensile test showed that both the tensile strength of the peel decreased with the increase of storage temperature, while the modulus of elasticity was decreased. There were no significant differences in the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of the peel at the same storage temperature. The results of the flesh compression test also showed a decrease in compressive strength and modulus of elasticity with increasing storage temperature. Under the same storage condition, the compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of the pear flesh differed significantly in different directions. The correlation coefficients for tensile strength and modulus of elasticity in both the axial and radial directions for the peel and flesh of crisp pears were high, and provided accurate predictions for mechanical characteristics. These findings could be used to inform the development of mechanical equipment, post-harvest storage methods, and the reduction of mechanical damage in all working stages of crisp pears.