Some Phesoengineering Properties of Okra Seeds Determination

Abstract

Due to the lack of information about the engineering properties of okra seeds in Egypt. Some physical, mechanical and aerodynamic characteristics of okra seeds were studied to set a database for properties related to grading, separating, handling, cleaning, storage and other future processing units. The study of experiments conducted on okra seeds at 6.31 % moisture content dry basis. The study revealed that the average value of length, width, thickness, geometrical and arithmetic mean diameters, volume, sphericity, coefficient of contact surface and surface area of okra seed were 5.85, 4.40, 4.04, 4.68, 4.75 mm, 56.12 mm3, 80.43%, 30.77% and 69.77 mm2, respectively. While; the mean value of bulk and true densities, individual seed mass, one thousand seed, porosity and projected area were 0.633g/cm3, 0.898g/cm3, 0.067 g, 61.27 g, 33.81 % and 22.46 mm2, respectively. The study also revealed that the average value of repose angle was 29.15°. While; the lowest values of static friction coefficient for okra seeds were on stainless steel sheet followed by galvanized iron, plywood and the highest on rubber were 0.271, 0.328, 0.402 and 0.466, respectively. The study also concluded that the rupture force and deformation ratio of okra seeds were 82.89 N and 4.33 %. The mean values of terminal velocity and coefficient of drag were 8.40 m/s and 0.70, respectively. Also; the mean value of Reynolds number was 2621 therefore; the pattern of air flow is in the range of transitional flow.