Geometric Aspect Ratio Research Articles

A simple model for arbitrary pollution effects on rotating free-surface flows

In an experimental context, the contamination of an air–liquid interface by ambient pollutants can strongly affect the dynamics and the stability of a given flow. In some configurations, the interfacial flow can even be blocked by surface tension effects. A cylindrical free-surface flow driven by a slow rotating disc is considered here as a generic example of such effects and is investigated both experimentally and numerically. We suggest here a simple numerical model, without any superficial transport of the pollutants, adaptable into any code for single-phase flows. For the stationary axisymmetric base flow, the radial velocity at the interface is set to zero whereas the usual stress-free boundary conditions are retained for the perturbations. The model does not feature any free parameter. For a geometrical aspect ratio of 1/4, known to display ambiguous behaviour regarding stability thresholds, the modal selection as well as a nonlinear stability island found in the experiments are well reproduced by the model, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The robustness of the model has also been validated by replacing the radial velocity profile by a more accurate experimental fit, with very little influence on the stability results.

Wave propagation of the viscoelastic FG-GPLRPC microplate via sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT) and modified coupled stress theory (MCST)

This is the first research on the wave propagation analysis of the viscoelastic functionally graded graphene platelet reinforced piezoelectric composite (FG-GPLRPC) microplate exposed to the electromagnetic field. Uniform distribution (UD) and two types of functionally graded distribution patterns of GPL reinforcements are considered. Kelvin Voigt’s model is engaged in providing the realistic material property of the viscoelastic system. The viscoelastic FG-GPLRPC microplate is embedded in the orthotropic Visco Pasternak foundation. Halpin–Tsai micromechanics model and the rule of mixture (ROM) is applied to formulate the effective Young's modulus, density, and Poisson's ratio of viscoelastic FG-GPLRPC microplate. Governing equations are derived using nonlocal modified coupled stress theory (MCST) and sinusoidal shear deformation theory (SSDT). After validating the results, the influence of different parameters, including three pattern types of functionally graded distributions of GPLs, the weight fraction of GPLs, various foundation models, magnetic field, the geometrical aspect ratio of the system, and damping coefficient, are carried out. The results illustrate that adding 1% weight fraction of GPLs leads to an increment of 28.57% in the dimensionless phase velocity of the structure. It is hoped that the results of this study will be useful in improving the design of smart systems.

Micropolar nanofluid thermal free convection and entropy generation through an inclined I-shaped enclosure with two hot cylinders

A numerical study is conducted to evaluate the flow, heat exchange and irreversibilities of micro-polar Al2O3-water nanofluid during the thermal buoyancy convection engendered by two heated cylinders inside an inclined I-shaped enclosure having cold top and bottom walls and adiabatic sidewalls. A numerical approach based on the finite element method was used to solve the equations that govern the phenomenon. For various scenarios for the position of the active cylinders and inclination angle of the system, the macro-flow and micro-rotations structures, temperature fields, the origin of entropy production, and heat exchange rates were determined for varied values of the control parameters, namely: Rayleigh (Ra), vortex viscosity parameter (K), geometric aspect ratio (AR), enclosure inclination angle (χ), and nanoparticles' concentration (φ). All of these variables were discovered to have significant influences on the strength of macro-and micro-nanofluid flows, as well as the entropy production and the rate of heat transfer. The rate of heat exchange escalates as the Ra and AR parameters rise but decreases when the K parameter rises.

Buckling behavior of double skin composite walls under axial compressive load

In this paper, the steel faceplate buckling of double skin composite walls stiffened with studs or steel-bar trusses is studied and analyzed by the axial compressive test, including ten specimens. According to the investigation, the buckling mode of steel faceplate, whose restraint situation is four points arranged in different shapes, is observed, and the calculated equation of buckling stress is proposed. Based on the test, the buckling strain monitored by strain gauges and maximum strength increases with the decline in welding spot spacing-to-thickness ratio and spacing aspect ratio. According to the finite element model (FEM) established by ABAQUS, the failure mode of the walls is simulated well. The buckling stress and load–displacement curve obtained by FEM corresponds well with these of the test. The parametric analysis is conducted to study the influence of initial geometric imperfection by considering the welding spot spacing-to-thickness ratio and spacing aspect ratio on faceplate buckling stress. When the initial geometric imperfection is larger than 1/1000 of the vertical welding spot spacing, the faceplate buckling stress drops more slowly with the increase of initial geometric imperfection. The relationship between the buckling stress and welding spot spacing-to-thickness ratio obeys the Euler curve. The buckling stress of the steel faceplate decreases linearly with the increase in the spacing aspect ratio. The results by using the buckling equations with the consideration of the initial geometric imperfection and spacing aspect ratio are approximately in accordance with the simulated results.

Fluid Friction Effects on the Thermodynamic Performance of Spiral Plate Heat Exchangers

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the thermodynamic performance of spiral plate heat exchangers (SPHEs) and their channels by considering the fluid friction effect and no heat leakage to the environment. An optimal design algorithm for SPHEs is developed to find higher compactness and the overall heat transfer coefficient by increasing channels pressure drops, maintaining the geometric aspect ratio, and minimizing total costs. To determine the internal temperature distributions and the rates of heat transfer, a mathematical model is proposed. Fluid friction effects are examined as viscous heating; for this purpose, new parameters of the viscous heating entransy number and viscous heating entransy resistance are defined. Finally, various single-phase countercurrent SPHEs assuming a constant heat transfer rate, are modeled and compared in terms of energy, entropy generation, and entransy criteria. The results show the fluid friction effects as pressure drop effects in entropy generation are insignificant when compared to those caused by heat transfer. However, fluid effects as viscous heating in entransy analysis show that these effects can be rather significant in SPHEs with large spiral turn numbers or small values of heat capacity rate ratios. The obtained data suggest the significant role of entransy methods and their reliability to entropy generation methods in thermodynamic performance evaluation of SPHEs.

On the evolution of vortex in locally isothermal self-gravitating discs: a parameter study

ABSTRACT Gas-rich dusty circumstellar discs observed around young stellar objects are believed to be the birthplace of planets and planetary systems. Recent observations revealed that large-scale horseshoe-like brightness asymmetries are present in dozens of transitional protoplanetary discs. Theoretical studies suggest that these brightness asymmetries bf could be caused by large-scale anticyclonic vortices triggered by the Rossby wave Instability (RWI), which can be excited at the edges of the accretionally inactive region, the dead zone edge. Since vortices may play a key role in planet formation, investigating the conditions of the onset of RWI and the long-term evolution of vortices is inevitable. The aim of our work was to explore the effect of disc geometry (the vertical thickness of the disc), viscosity, the width of the transition region at the dead zone edge, and the disc mass on the onset, lifetime, strength and evolution of vortices formed in the disc. We performed a parametric study assuming different properties for the disc and the viscosity transition by running 1980 2D hydrodynamic simulations in the locally isothermal assumption with disc self-gravity included. Our results revealed that long-lived, large-scale vortex formation favours a shallow surface density slope and low- or moderate-disc masses with Toomre Q ≲ 1 h-1, where h is the geometric aspect ratio of the disc. In general, in low viscosity models, stronger vortices form. However, rapid vortex decay and re-formation is more widespread in these discs.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Study for the Impact of In-Flow Nozzle on Spray Characteristics.

The impact of the in-flow characteristics inside the injection nozzle on atomization has been experimentally and computationally studied. Measurements are carried out using a transparent glass nozzle. Pulsed laser sheet with a synchronized charge-coupled device (CCD) camera and image processing, together with a particle image velocimetry (PIV) setup have been used as measuring techniques. Images and relevant image processing are used to visualize and quantify the rate of generation of cavitation bubbles inside the nozzle, the spray particle size distribution, and cone angle. Velocities inside and outside the injection nozzle are measured using PIV. The experimental investigation has been extended to include a wider range of the injection nozzle geometrical aspect ratios and working parameters. The computational model is a three-dimensional, two-phase, turbulent model to solve both the in- and out-nozzle flows. A novel coupling mathematical model is proposed for the definition of the probability density function of the issuing droplet size distribution, based on the in-flow developed conditions. A good agreement between both the experimental and computational results has been found under all conditions. According to both the experimental and computational results, it has been found that the onset of cavitation inside the injection nozzle, its location, collapse, and consequently the issuing spray configurations depend on the flow cavitation number, the nozzle geometrical characteristics, the liquid temperature, and the injection and back pressures. According to the quality of the obtained results from the model, it can be used to extend the study to cover a wider range of spray applications.

Simultaneously enhanced strength-plasticity of graphene/metal nanocomposites via interfacial microstructure regulation

Interfacial microstructure characteristics (e.g., volume fraction, thickness, moduli) are crucial to the overall mechanical properties of graphene/metal nanocomposites. Herein, we investigate the effects of different interfacial characteristics on simultaneous improvement of strength and plasticity of nanocomposites. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) reinforced Ti6Al4V composites with appropriate interfacial effects are first fabricated based on powder metallurgy. Combining the interphase model, the field fluctuation method, the second-order stress moment and continuous damage theory, the multiscale theoretical framework for predicting the entire stress-strain relations is developed, and its accuracy is verified by the tensile test results of GNP/Ti6Al4V nanocomposites. The effects of the micromechanical variables including volume fraction and stiffness of interphase, as well as geometrical size factor (ratio of interphase thickness to the GNP equivalent diameter) and aspect ratio of GNPs on the maximum strength and failure strain are quantitatively analyzed to demonstrate how the strength and plasticity of nanocomposites are enhanced concurrently. This work provides a new perspective for graphene/metal nanocomposites with excellent tensile properties by optimizing interfacial characteristics.

Lane dynamics in pair-ion plasmas: effect of obstacle and geometric aspect ratio

Lane formation dynamics of driven two-dimensional pair-ion plasmas is investigated in under-damped cases where the effect of particle inertia cannot be neglected. Extensive Langevin dynamics simulations using an OpenMP parallel program are carried out to analyse the effect of obstacle and geometric aspect ratio on lane formation dynamics previously reported in Sarma et al. (Phys. Plasmas, vol. 27, 2020, 012106) and Baruah et al. (J. Plasma Phys., vol. 87, 2021, 905870202). Lanes are found to form when like particles move along or opposite to the applied field direction. Lane order parameter, cumulative order parameter and distribution of the order parameter have been implemented to detect phase transition. The effect of geometric aspect ratio on the stability of lanes is systematically determined in both the presence and absence of an obstacle. Here, a specular reflective boundary condition is implemented to mimic an obstacle. We demonstrate that an obstacle promotes the merging of lanes, and the system gradually transitions to a partially mixed phase with higher value of aspect ratio. The occurrence of lane mixing phenomena at the separation boundary of two oppositely flowing lanes at higher value of aspect ratio is observed. In the presence of an oscillatory electric field, the lane merging tendency is reduced to a large extent as compared to the system where a constant electric field is applied. Furthermore, in the presence of both space- and time-varying electric fields, an appearance of a void is observed on either side of the obstacle. The study finds that the presence of an external magnetic field promotes acceleration of the phase transition process towards the lane mixing phase; it also reveals the existence of electric field drift in the system. Our findings may prove to be useful in understanding the nature of lane dynamics in naturally occurring pair-ion plasma systems as well as their relevance to technological applications that exploit or mitigate self-organization.

A Neural Network Inverse Optimization Procedure for Constitutive Parameter Identification and Failure Mode Estimation of Laterally Loaded Unreinforced Masonry Walls

A new Neural Network Optimization (NNO) algorithm for constitutive material parameter identification based on inverse analysis of experimental tests of small-scale masonry prisms under compressive loads is presented. The Concrete Damaged Plasticity (CDP) constitutive model is used for the brick and mortar of the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) walls. By comparisons with experimental data taken from laboratory tests, it is demonstrated that the constitutive parameters calibrated by application of the proposed inverse optimization procedure on the small-scale (prism) experimental results are sufficiently accurate to allow for the prediction of the mechanical response of large-scale URM walls subject to compressive and lateral loads. This eliminates the need for large-scale URM wall experimental tests for the identification of their material properties, making the calibration process more economic. After verifying the accuracy of the calibrated constitutive parameters based on the above comparisons, a numerical parametric study is performed for the investigation of the effect of material behavior and geometrical aspect ratios on the failure mechanisms of large-scale URM walls.

Influences of moisture content and compressive loading speed on the mechanical properties of maize grain orientations

Determination of the mechanical properties (rupture force, deformation, hardness, and toughness) of maize grain could be a significant concern for designing the harvester, thresher, and handling, processing, and storage equipment. Thus, the present research was conducted to assess the vertical and lateral rupture force, deformation, hardness, and toughness of maize grain (Beijing Denong, Lianchuang, Suyu 20, Liyu 88 and Suyu 29) influenced by different moisture contents (11.2%, 17.5%, and 21.3%) and compressive loading speeds (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm/min, respectively). Besides, the mean length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, equivalent diameter, arithmetic diameter, sphericity, grain volume, surface area, and aspect ratio of the selected varieties were measured. The results showed that the highest length, width, thickness and sphericity, grain volume, surface area, and aspect ratio were obtained at moisture of 21.3%, whereas the lowest was at 11.2%. Moreover, it was observed that as increasing the loading speed from 5 to 25 mm/min, the vertical and lateral rupture forces decreased. However, as increasing moisture contents from 11.2% to 21.3%, the vertical and lateral rupture forces, hardness, and toughness decreased noticeably. Furthermore, the maximum correlation (R2=0.9957) between rupture force and loading speed was found for Liyu 88 at moisture of 17.5% and minimum correlation (R2=0.7002) was found for Suyu 29 at moisture of 11.2%. Moreover, the highest lateral and vertical rupture force was noticed (p<0.05) at a loading speed of 5 mm/min. Based on the experimentally obtained results, it was concluded that the properties of maize grain evaluated were relevant to the design of planter, harvesters, thrashers, and processing machine. Keywords: maize grain, moisture content, compressive loading speeds, mechanical properties, orientation DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20211404.6072 Citation: Chandio F A, Li Y M, Ma Z, Ahmad F, Syed T N, Shaikh S A, et al. Influences of moisture content and compressive loading speed on the mechanical properties of maize grain orientations. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2021; 14(4): 41–49.

Effect of courtyards’ geometrical parameters on climate adaptability and shading performance in hot-arid climate of Yazd (Iran)

The climate adaptability of indigenous courtyard houses in the hot arid climate of central Iran has been widely studied for the summer period. However, the performance of them in winter has not yet been studied. As such, the capability of the system for the whole year is not clear. To address this gap the current study investigates the climate adaptability of ten indigenous courtyard houses in Yazd (central Iran) for the whole year. Autodesk Ecotect Analysis software was used to model and calculate the shading, sunlit and shading-sunlit indexes (as climate adaptability evaluating indicators). Next, statistical analyses were conducted to determine the relation of calculated indexes and geometrical parameters and aspect ratios of the courtyards. The results reveal that the overall level of climate adaptability of courtyards for the whole year was average (51%), it was higher for the summer period (73%) and lower for the winter (20%). Furthermore, the geometrical parameters of the courtyards have opposite effects on shading-sunlit performance in summer and winter. In this study, a new layout is proposed for the courtyard to optimize its climate adaptability for the whole year.

Energy and exergy analysis of spiral turns in optimum design spiral plate heat exchangers

AbstractThe present study investigates exergy analysis of optimal designed spiral plate heat exchangers (SPHEs) based on energy criteria. A new design algorithm is developed to obtain a higher overall heat transfer coefficient and more compact SPHE by (1) maintaining the geometric aspect ratio (GAR), (2) enhancing channel pressure drops, and (3) minimizing the total costs. Mathematical modeling of spiral turns of designed SPHEs as a hypothetical network of heat exchangers (HEs), and implementation of energy balance equations contribute to the determination of channel temperature distributions. In the second part of the study, two new dimensionless energy‐based numbers have been introduced besides thermal effectiveness, temperature difference number, and modified temperature difference number. These two newly defined dimensionless numbers can add to the exergy evaluation in channels. To reach the set goals, several studies are conducted in different cases of single‐phase counter‐current SPHEs. First, temperature distribution obtained from the mathematical modeling was validated with computational fluid dynamics simulation results, which shows less than 5% deviation in dimensionless temperature distribution. Afterward, results of energy‐based criteria were assessed by thermal effectiveness correlation of counter‐current HEs. Second, comparing the new algorithm with other algorithms highlights the key role of GAR, pressure drop, and economic factors. The results show the highest enhancement in the relative heat rate capacity per volume of the newly designed SPHE, up to 54%, in comparison with other designs. Finally, analysis of various designed SPHEs and their channels confirms the reliability of newly defined criteria and temperature distribution significance in performance and irreversibility evaluation of spiral turns. Nevertheless, results show contradictions in total exergy loss number for SPHEs with larger and smaller than 12 spiral turns in numbers

ASSESSMENT AND ADAPTATION OF A NAERC PEDAL MILLET THRESHER FOR THRESHING SORGHUM (Junelo) IN NEPAL

Traditional threshing (pounding, animal trampling, beating the harvested heads with sticks on bare ground or in bags), a most common manual threshing practice for majority of the farm households is a slow, tedious, drudgerious and labor intensive practices in Nepal. Therefore, there is need of threshing mechanization option suitable for smallholder farmers to replace the manual threshing of sorghum. As most of the farmers have small land holding, poor economy and insufficient electric power supply, a pedal operated millet thresher was playing important role especially for threshing millet in Nepal. Hence, a study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a NAERC pedal millet thresher for threshing sorghum. Thresher was evaluated in terms of different performance parameters such as threshing capacity, threshing efficiency, grain loss, and associated threshing labour and cost. In addition, the physical and engineering properties of sorghum grain namely, moisture content, linear dimensions, 1000 grain weight, particle and bulk density, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, equivalent diameter, shape index, sphericity, aspect ratio, porosity, repose angle and friction properties behavior on different surfaces were studied. The average threshing capacity of the pedal thresher (machine threshing) for sorghum was obtained as 28.20±3.07 kg/hr with a threshing efficiency of 93.36% at an average moisture content of 11.44%, and concave clearance of 6 mm, respectively while that of stick beating (manual method) was 12.2±0.2 kg/hr. The average broken grain losses of 5.00±1.19% and 6.8±0.9% were found in machine threshing and manual threshing, however, unthreshed grain was higher in thresher (6.6±0.91%) than stick beating (4.1±1.2%). Considering economic perspectives, a labour saving of 46.41% was achieved by the use of pedal thresher (47.85 man-hr/mt) compared to manual threshing (103.9 man-hr/mt). Manual threshing needs almost 2.15 hours to thresh equal mass as that by thresher in one hour. Similarly, cost saving of 24.24 % was occurred in custom hired machine threshing (NRs 7000/mt) with respect to manual method (NRs 9239.7/mt). Conclusively, this technology is widely accepted by farmers for threshing finger millet, thus this study on sorghum threshing explored its multi-use benefit in maximizing thresher use per year and increase profitability.

Sexual dimorphism in bat wing morphology — variation among foraging styles

Sexual dimorphism can lead to differences in foraging style among conspecifics due to morphological differences. Within bats, maneuverability and speed of flight are influenced by wing shape and size, which may differ between sexes. Female bats gain about 30% of their body mass during pregnancy, affecting their agility and flight efficiency. To fill the same foraging niche as males, pregnant female bats would require wing size and (or) shape modifications to maintain maneuverability. We investigated sexual dimorphism in bat wing morphology and how it varies among foraging guilds. Wing photos of male and female adult bats (19 species) in Canada, Belize, and Dominica were analyzed using two-dimensional geometric morphometrics, wing loading, and aspect ratios. Nonpregnant female bats had higher wing loading than males, suggesting that they are less maneuverable than males. Additionally, mass increases during pregnancy may not permit female bats to forage as male conspecifics do. Wing shape differed minimally among foraging guilds with only frugivores differing significantly from all other guilds. Further studies should investigate how female bats forage during their reproductive cycle and determine how frugivore wings differ and whether there are individual differences in wing shape that are not consistent among bat species.

Improved High-order Analysis of Linear Vibrations of a Thick Sandwich Panel With an Electro-rheological Core by Using Exponential Shear Deformation Theory

In In this paper, the behavior of free vibrations of the thick sandwich panel with multi-layer face sheets and an electrorheological (ER) fluid core using Exponential Shear Deformation Theory were investigated. For the first time, Exponential shear deformation theory is used for the face sheets while the Displacement field based on the second Frostig's model is used for the core. The governing equations and the boundary conditions are derived by Hamilton’s principle. Closed form solution is achieved using the Navier method and solving the eigenvalues. Primary attention is focused on the effects of electric field magnitude, geometric aspect ratio,and ER core layer thickness on the dynamic characteristics of the sandwich plate. The rheological property of an ER material, such as viscosity, plasticity, and elasticity may be changed when applying an electric field. When an electric field is applied, the damping of the system is more effective. The effects of the natural frequencies and loss factors on the dynamic behaviorof the sandwich plate are studied.the natural frequency of the sandwich plate increases and the modal loss factor decreases. With increasing the thickness of the ER layer, the natural frequencies of the sandwich plate are decreased.

Cyclic Performance of Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Walls with Beam-Only-Connected Infill Plates

Lately, Corrugated Steel Plate Shear Walls (CSPSWs) have gained significance and reputation for being effective lateral force-resisting systems. Corrugated plates are characterized by greater out-of-plane stiffness and buckling stability than flat plates, ensuring their enhanced hysteretic behavior. In ordinary Steel Plate Shear Walls (SPSWs), infill plates are fixed to beams and columns. But, detaching the infill plate from columns and connecting it to the beams only is assumed here as a method for reducing column demands. The current study explores the cyclic performance of CSPSWs with beam-only-connected infill plates. The design of a one-story single-bay specimen was done and its finite element model was developed. Parametric studies have targeted CSPSWs with different geometric variables, including orientation, thickness, and aspect ratio of the infill plate. Noteworthy responses were ultimate strength, initial stiffness, energy dissipation capacity, and force-deformation relationship. The obtained results indicated that selecting the right geometrical parameters could yield a desirable cyclic performance. Finally, an analytical method was proposed for calculating the ultimate shear strength of beam-only-connected CSPSWs.

Edge Race-Tracking during Film-Sealed Compression Resin Transfer Molding

Edge race-tracking is a frequently reported issue during resin transfer molding. It is caused by highly permeable channels and areas between the preform edge and cavity, which can significantly change the preform impregnation pattern. To date, information is scarce on the effect of edge race-tracking in compression resin transfer molding (CRTM). To close this gap, laboratory equipment was developed to study the CRTM preform impregnation via flow visualization experiments. The preform was thereby encapsulated in thin thermoplastic films sealing its impregnation. Film-sealed compression resin transfer molding (FS-CRTM) experiments of preforms with a small geometrical aspect ratio showed fast filling of the injection gap and a subsequent through-thickness preform impregnation. Creating an edge race-tracking channel, an additional lateral in-plane flow from the channel towards the preform center was observed, initiating soon after the injection started and caused by the spatial connection between the injection gap and the race-tracking channel. To diminish edge race-tracking, a passive flow control strategy was implemented via a split design of the upper tool to spatially isolate the injection gap from the channel and to pre-compact the preform edge. A delayed and reduced lateral race-tracking flow was observed, showing that the passive flow control strategy increases the process robustness of FS-CRTM regarding edge race-tracking effects.

Flexural behaviour of pumice lightweight concrete reinforced with end-hooked steel fibres

A study on the mechanical properties of end-hooked steel-fibre reinforced pumice lightweight concrete is presented. Typical compression and three-point bending tests were performed in a reference lightweight concrete batch, where two different steel end-hooked fibres were added in four different contents 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, and 1.5% per volume. The experimental results were evaluated in both strength and deformation terms and further processed, in order to illustrate the influence of fibres to the strength and deformation capacity, in correlation to the geometrical aspect ratio and the volume fraction of the fibres. Compressive strength, but mainly flexural strength was found to be significantly enhanced, especially, in terms of post crack behaviour. An effort to model the post-crack behaviour in flexure was also conducted. A multi-phase constitutive law is proposed which describes the Stress - Crack Mouth Opening Displacement behaviour of steel-fibre reinforced pumice lightweight concrete in correlation to the mechanical properties of plain lightweight concrete.

Determination of the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.)

Turmeric is a medicinal crop widely popular due to its curcumin content. While other countries have established the physical properties of this crop, literatures specific for turmeric found in the Philippines have yet been documented. Freshly harvested turmeric rhizomes were randomly selected and their physical and mechanical properties were measured. Test results showed that the rhizomes have an average moisture content of 84.7 %. The samples have mean dimensions of 77.2 mm (length), 23.0 mm (width) and 19.7 mm (thickness). Computations showed that the rhizomes have a geometric mean diameter, sphericity, aspect ratio, surface area, and volume of 32.4 mm, 0.436, 31.6, 3371.2 mm2 , and 19044.8 mm3 , respectively. The gravimetric properties were also determined, and measurements showed that the fresh rhizomes have true density, bulk density, and porosity of 1.002 g/mL, 0.51 g/mL, and 48.8 %, respectively. Frictional properties against plywood (across the grain), plywood (along the grain) and stainless steel revealed that the rhizomes have a coefficient of friction of 0.41, 0.30 and 0.20 against these materials, respectively. The average angle of repose on a flat level surface is 18.6°. The maximum puncture and shear force that mother rhizomes can withstand were determined to be 0.1761 and 0.1708 kN, respectively. For the finger rhizomes, a maximum puncture force of 0.1029 kN and shear force of 0.0899 kN were recorded. Fresh rhizomes were sliced and dried until the final moisture content reached 8 to 9%, in which they were then pulverized. Optical properties were characterized using the CIE L*a*b* color scale and were converted to H-S-B. Preliminary findings showed that hue values for the three classifications were almost the same and were identified to fall between the orange and yellow hue. The dried rhizomes recorded the lowest saturation and brightness values, however, these values increased after pulverization indicating that only the surface color was affected and the interior of the rhizomes retained its vividness.