Variations In Moisture Content Research Articles

Sustainable Innovation: Fabrication and Characterization of Mycelium-Based Green Composites for Modern Interior Materials Using Agro-Industrial Wastes and Different Species of Fungi.

Mycelium-based bio-composites (MBCs) represent a sustainable and innovative material with high potential for contemporary applications, particularly in the field of modern interior design. This research investigates the fabrication of MBCs for modern interior materials using agro-industrial wastes (bamboo sawdust and corn pericarp) and different fungal species. The study focuses on determining physical properties, including moisture content, shrinkage, density, water absorption, volumetric swelling, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties (bending, compression, impact, and tensile strength). The results indicate variations in moisture content and shrinkage based on fungal species and substrate types, with bamboo sawdust exhibiting lower shrinkage. The obtained density values range from 212.31 to 282.09 kg/m3, comparable to traditional materials, suggesting MBCs potential in diverse fields, especially as modern interior elements. Water absorption and volumetric swelling demonstrate the influence of substrate and fungal species, although they do not significantly impact the characteristics of interior decoration materials. Thermal degradation analysis aligns with established patterns, showcasing the suitability of MBCs for various applications. Scanning electron microscope observations reveal the morphological features of MBCs, emphasizing the role of fungal mycelia in binding substrate particles. Mechanical properties exhibit variations in bending, compression, impact, and tensile strength, with MBCs demonstrating compatibility with traditional materials used in interior elements. Those produced from L. sajor-caju and G. fornicatum show especially promising characteristics in this context. Particularly noteworthy are their superior compression and impact strength, surpassing values observed in certain synthetic foams multiple times. Moreover, this study reveals the biodegradability of MBCs, reaching standards for environmentally friendly materials. A comprehensive comparison with traditional materials further supports the potential of MBCs in sustainable material. Challenges in standardization, production scalability, and market adoption are identified, emphasizing the need for ongoing research, material engineering advancements, and biotechnological innovations. These efforts aim to enhance MBC properties, promoting sustainability in modern interior applications, while also facilitating their expansion into mass production within the innovative construction materials market.

Superstructure optimization of microalgae pretreatment for direct combustion or gasification

Pretreatment of microalgae is a vital step preceding thermochemical valorization, necessitating an adjustable approach for its design. This study focuses on the development of a methodology for optimizing this stage by the arrangement of key unit operations, such as washing, drying, and torrefaction, with the primary goal of enhancing energy efficiency. Employing a precise methodology, we utilized simplified mathematical models that incorporated mass and energy yields for a range of technologies. Central to our approach was the application of Mixed Integer Non- Linear Programming (MINLP) to determine the optimal organization of these unit operations within a comprehensive superstructure, accounting for potential interconnections. Methodological rigor was demonstrated through a comparative analysis, contrasting our MINLP-based results with a systematic examination encompassing all possible unit operation combinations. We explored three distinct study cases, investigating the effects on optimal configurations of variations in the initial moisture content of raw biomass and introducing additional constraints on the final ash content and Lower Heating Value (LHV) of the pretreated biomass. Remarkably, results from both approaches exhibited consistent agreement across all cases, validating the optimization methodology. This validation underscores the potential for future studies in microalgae thermochemical valorization, with an emphasis on integrating an optimized pretreatment stage. In summary, our study not only sheds light on the intricacies of microalgae pretreatment but also highlights the versatility of an optimization-based approach in shaping a more energy-efficient biomass conversion process.

Investigation of the Compressive Strength of Sand-Filled Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottles as a Material for Wall Construction

The disposal of plastic wastes in the environment has negatively impacted the environment as plastics are non-biodegradable and contain chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals, plants, and the environment at large. The increased demand for infrastructure across the globe has also resulted in a rapid depletion of natural resources used for the production of construction materials. The need therefore arises for research to proffer solutions that would lead to the better management of plastic wastes, and provide sustainable construction materials. This study evaluated the compressive strength of sand-filled PET bottles (with varying moisture content, 0-15%) and clay bricks incorporating sand-filled PET bottles for wall construction. Cement was used to stabilize the clay at 0%, 10%, and 15% by weight. The compressive strength of the bricks produced was compared with that of control bricks (without sand-filled PET bottles). The results obtained reveal that the compressive strengths of the PET bricks were less than those of the control bricks. An optimum of 2% moisture content of sand is recommended for filling the PET bottles while 15% stabilization of clay with cement is recommended for the production of sand-filled PET bricks. The sand-filled PET bricks can be used for non-load-bearing wall construction as their compressive strengths fall below the minimum requirements of the Nigeria Building and Road Research Institute and the Standards Organization of Nigeria for load-bearing walls.

Research on the Influence Mechanism of Moisture Content on Macroscopic Mechanical Response and Microscopic Evolution Characteristic of Limestone

The uniaxial compression experiments and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring are conducted to investigate the macroscopic mechanical behavior and microscopic fracture characteristics of limestone samples with varying moisture contents. The findings revealed that as the moisture content increases from 0 to 6.6%, there is a decrease in peak stress and an increase in peak strain. A clear trend towards greater complexity in fracture characteristics is observed with increasing moisture content. In addition, AE activities demonstrate a heightened frequency, accompanied by an elevation in the corresponding multifractal parameter Δα as the moisture content rises. These variations are attributed to the increase in moisture content, which promotes the proliferation of small-scale microcracks and inhibits their evolution into large-scale microcracks. Consequently, the damage and failure process of the limestone samples transitions from being predominantly controlled by a few large-scale microcracks to being collectively influenced by a multitude of small-scale microcracks as the moisture content increases. In conjunction with the Criterion of Microcrack Density, the correctness of the analysis above is substantiated through mathematical derivation. Further, a quantitative model that links the microcrack system to moisture content is established based on the multifractal parameter Δα. Following this, a characterization model that depicts the macroscopic mechanical properties of limestone affected by moisture content is developed. This model effectively encapsulates the quantitative relationship between moisture content and the macroscopic characteristics of limestone and is validated through fitting experimental data. This research contributes to understanding the macroscopic mechanical response and microscopic fracture characteristics of limestone samples with different moisture contents, providing valuable insights and guidance for ensuring safety during engineering construction processes.

Dynamic Splitting Tensile Strength of Precast Concrete Samples with Varying Moisture Contents

Dynamic Splitting Tensile Strength of Precast Concrete Samples with Varying Moisture Contents

Effects of moisture content and soil suction on the permanent deformation of tropical subgrade soils: experimental investigations and modelling

This study presents the effects of moisture variation and the influence of matric suction on the permanent deformation (PD) of three tropical soils with different geological-geotechnical characteristics used in road subgrades in southern Brazil. The experimental programme consisted in determining the soil-water characteristic curves and in dynamic triaxial tests to obtain the PD in different compaction and post-compaction moisture contents. The variation of compaction moisture content caused microstructural changes, influencing the plastic behaviour of soils: the higher the initial moisture content, the greater their accumulated permanent deformations. As expected, the post-compaction moisture variation (wetting process) tended to increase the plastic deformation of materials, evidencing the influence of the suction variation on the performance of the soils studied. In addition, matric suction proved to be the best variable to represent the effects of moisture variation on the plastic behaviour of soils subjected to cyclic loading. Thus, a PD prediction model for tropical soils with the inclusion of this parameter was proposed. The model proved to be highly predictive and may become an important tool to be incorporated into current mechanistic-empirical design methods.

Combined effect of heat moisture and ultrasound treatment on the physicochemical, thermal and structural properties of new variety of purple rice starch

The advantages of physically modifying starch are evident: minimal environmental impact, no by-products, and straightforward control. The impact of dual modification on starch properties is contingent upon modification conditions and starch type. Herein, we subjected purple rice starch (PRS) to heat-moisture treatment (HMT, 110 °C, 4 h) with varying moisture content, ultrasound treatment (UT, 50 Hz, 30 min) with different ultrasonic power, and a combination of HMT and UT. Our findings reveal that UT following HMT dispersed starch granules initially aggregated by HMT and resulted in a rougher granule surface. Rheological analysis showcased a synergistic effect of HMT and UT, enhancing the fluidity of PRS and reinforcing its resistance to deformation in paste form. The absorbance ratio R1047/1015 indicates that increased moisture content during HMT and high ultrasound power for UT reduced the short-range order degree (1.69). However, the combined HMT-UT exhibited an increased R1047/1015 (1.38–1.64) compared to HMT alone (1.29–1.45), likely due to short-chain rearrangement. Notably, the A-type structure of PRS remained unaltered, but overall crystallinity significantly decreased (23.01 %–28.56 %), consistent with DSC results. In summary, physical modifications exerted significant effects on PRS, shedding light on the mechanisms governing the transformation of structural properties during HMT-UT.

The influence of different clay/sand ratios on the hygrothermal properties of earthen plasters in the Maijishan Grottoes

Variations in temperature and moisture content in the earthen plasters of the Maijishan Grottoes can readily lead to mural deterioration. This study investigates the influence of two different clay/sand ratios on the hygrothermal properties of earthen plasters in the Maijishan Grottoes. Two distinct types of earthen plasters samples were created with different clay/sand ratios: one with a weight ratio of 30:70 and another with a weight ratio of 70:30. The hygrothermal properties of earthen plasters samples were examined, and the temperature and moisture content variations were evaluated based on measurement data of hygrothermal environment in three caves. The findings revealed that the influence of the clay/sand ratios on thermal properties was relatively minor compared to its effect on hygric properties. Lower clay/sand ratio resulted in decreased thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of earthen plasters, leading to increased temperature fluctuation, but the difference is minor. Additionally, in high-humidity environments, the difference in moisture content variations between the two types is greater than in low-humidity environments as the relative humidity changes. This research holds significant implications for the preservation of murals in the Maijishan Grottoes while also providing fresh perspectives for the restoration of multi-layered mural structures.

Spatial variability of soil resistance penetration in forest areas converted for agricultural uses in the Amazon, Brazil

The knowledge of the spatial variability of soil attributes has been characterized as an important step for an adequate management to be carried out. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate spatial variability of soil resistance to penetration in areas under forest and converted to agricultural uses in the Amazon, Brazil. The study was carried out in Typic Hapludultsin the San Francisco Settlement located in the municipality of Canutama, Amazonas, Brazil. Four areas were selected. The collections proceeded at the crossing points of the grids, under the layers of 0.00-0.05; 0.05-0.10; and 0.10-0.20 m, making a total of 80 sample points in each area. Physical soil analyzes were carried out, with the criterion of determining the texture, soil resistance penetration and soil moisture. The variation in soil moisture content remained constant in all evaluated layers. The PR and soil moisture showed a spatial dependence structure that made it possible to analyze the influence on the different conditions of use and evaluated layers, since the scope of spatial dependence was preponderant to evaluate the scales of spatial variation, mainly in verifying the possible effects and factors that most affect these variables analyzed.

Critical analysis of the mechanical properties of Dinizia excelsa wood in relation to moisture variations: implications for ABNT NBR 7190:2022

Brazil possesses an extensive forested territory conducive to the prevalence of numerous tree species, including Dinizia excelsa, commonly known as Angelim-Vermelho. The utilization of a wood species in a structural system necessitates a comprehensive analysis of its physical-mechanical properties. In this context, a crucial variable for study is the moisture content, the variations of which, a priori, can significantly impact wood properties. Although the Brazilian code prescribes specific models to adjust strength and stiffness concerning the reference moisture, allowing a linear increase as moisture content decreases, this phenomenon may not universally apply to all wood species. Some species may exhibit statistically constant or even decreased values, contradicting code predictions. Therefore, by employing analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level, this research aims to examine the impact of moisture content variation (ranging from 12% to the fiber saturation point – FSP) on 12 mechanical properties of Dinizia excelsa wood. Each type of test involved the creation of 12 specimens, totaling 360 determinations. Among the 12 mechanical properties examined, four showed no significant variations between 12% moisture and the FSP. This suggests that the code formulation inadequately addresses all properties for all wood species. Furthermore, the study revealed that correction models can result in strength values higher than experimentally obtained, thus overestimating structural capacities, and compromising safety. Therefore, a critical reassessment of the existing Brazilian code is imperative.

Quantitative assessment and optimization of parallel contact model for flexible paddy straw: a definitive screening and central composite design approach using discrete element method

To simulate the bending behaviour of paddy straw at varied moisture contents after crop harvesting, we created a flexible paddy straw specimen model based on the Hertz–Mindlin with parallel contact bonding model using the discrete element model (DEM) approach. The research presented in this study aims to investigate a new approach called Definitive Screening Design (DSD) for parameterizing and screening the most significant parameters of the DEM model. This investigation will specifically focus on the three-point bending test as a means of parameterization, and the shear plate test will be used for validation purposes. In addition, the most influential DEM parameters were optimized using another Design of Experiments approach called Central Composite Design. The findings from the DSD indicated that parameters such as bonded disk scale, normal stiffness, and shear stiffness have the highest impact on the bending force, while the coefficient of static friction (Straw-Steel) has the least effect. The three bonding parameters were respectively calibrated with the loading rate (0.42, 0.5, and 0.58 mm s−1) and a good agreement between actual and simulated shear force at moisture content M1—35 ± 3.4%, M2—24 ± 2.2% and M3—17 ± 2.6%. Modelled stem helps simulate the straw with low error and increases the accuracy of the simulation. The validated model, with an average relative error of 5.43, 7.63, and 8.86 per cent, produced reasonable agreement between measured and simulated shear force value and loading rate.

Effects of ultrasonic and microwave treatment on color, quality and drying characteristics of rice

This study explores the influence of various ultrasound treatment parameters and microwave drying parameters on the quality and drying characteristics of rice. The rice was treated in an ultrasound water bath (200W) for 30 min, 40 min, and 50 min, followed by microwave drying (210W) for 10 min. The influence of ultrasound treatment time on the moisture content variation of rice was found to be significant through correlation analysis. The time required for the 50-min ultrasound treatment to reach the safe moisture level (15 %) was approximately 20 % shorter than the time required for the 30-min ultrasound treatment. Due to the combined ultrasound-microwave treatment, changes occur in the constituents of rice (Starch gelatinization, Maillard reaction, etc.), and the variations in rice quality can be reflected by the changes in CIE Lab color parameters. The differences in characteristic peaks of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) can reflect the variations in flavor and aroma of rice, as well as the significant disruption of the ordered structure of starch molecules. Additionally, response surface experiments based on Box-Behnken design were conducted to obtain the optimal conditions for ultrasound-microwave combined treatment (240W, 46min, 3min). Moreover, ultrasound-microwave combined treatment leads to a significant reduction in rice hardness and an increase in elasticity.

Modification and performance evaluation of yam peeling machine

Yam is a versatile crop and plays a vital role in tropical regions, where it can be transformed into various food products. Peeling is an essential step in the processing of yam, as it increases its value. While manual peeling with knives is common in households, larger-scale production requires the use of yam peeling machines. The objective of this study was to analyze and enhance the performance of an existing yam peeling machine. The key components of the machine include the machine frame, a wire mesh-like drum, a speed reduction gear motor, a pumping machine, sprockets, pipes, and a water container. The yam peeler is powered by a three-phase 2 hp electric motor. The machine was tested on three different types of yams with varying moisture contents and at different speeds. Various performance parameters such as peeling efficiency, peeling capacity, flesh loss, and time efficiency were evaluated. Statistical analysis and SPSS models were utilized to examine the relationship between different factors and the performance metrics of the machine. The study revealed that as the peeling speed increased, the efficiency decreased. The peeling efficiency ranged from 63.27% to 92.74%, peeling capacity ranged from 2.28 kg/h to 11.34 kg/h, and flesh loss varied from 7.26% to 36.73%. The moisture content of the yams, peeling speeds, and tuber morphology were found to have significant effects on peeling efficiency, flesh loss, peeling capacity, and time efficiency. The yam peeler production cost is estimated to be $150. The machine demonstrated suitability for small-scale food industries due to its low cost and minimal maintenance requirements.

Impact of soil and water conservation structures on the spatial variability of topsoil moisture content and crop productivity in semi-arid Ethiopia

Plant available soil moisture and its spatial variability is among the most important limiting factors for crop and livestock productivity in semi-arid Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were therefore: 1) to measure the effects of land use and slope gradient on spatial variability of topsoil moisture content. 2) to analyze the variability of topsoil moisture content and crop responses under different soil and water conservation (SWC) structures and 3) to analyze whether topsoil moisture content, grain and biomass yields vary in relation to SWC structures. In total, 21 large runoff plots (600–1000 m2) were installed and treated with stone bunds, trenches, stone bunds with trenches and a control plot at each site. Plot sites were located on gentle (5%), medium (12%) and steep (16%) slopes of cropland and rangeland. Topsoil (0–15 cm) moisture content for plots were monitored daily using soil moisture probes (Theta-Probes) and weekly using manual sampling over two growing seasons. Crop performance was monitored during two growing seasons and grain and biomass yield were measured at harvest. Results show that average gravimetric moisture content of the topsoil during growing seasons is remarkably higher for cropland (33–25 g/100 g) compared to rangelands (24–20 g/100 g). This is due to tillage-induced runoff retention and infiltration. Soil moisture content decreases with increasing slope gradients, owing to increased drainage. Considering the effects of SWC structures, average topsoil moisture contents at accumulation and erosion zones are generally higher as compared to middle zone between two successive SWC structures. Average seasonal volumetric soil moisture content of 38.2 (cm3/100 cm3) in 2011 and 39.4 (cm3/100 cm3) in 2012 for accumulation zone of plots with stone bunds with trenchers are significantly higher than at other sampling locations. Crop growth performance, grain and biomass yield varied among plots and depended on slope gradients and SWC structures. Grain yields of wheat in 2011 and barley in 2012 were significantly higher for plots with SWC structures as compared to control plots and are highly correlated to topsoil moisture content (r = 0.64; p < 0.04 in 2011 and r = 0.59, p < 0.01 in 2012). Even when taking into account the cropland area occupied by SWC structures, grain yield increased by (4.2%−33%) for plots with SWC structures as compared to control plots. Overall, our results show that implemented measures may not only reduce runoff and soil loss, but also increase crop productivity by enhancing soil moisture and thus can significantly contribute to sustainability of agro-ecosystems in semi-arid environments.

Effect of Moisture Content on Ion Diffusion and Glass Transition Temperature in Wood Cell Walls.

Understanding and controlling the diffusion of ions and chemicals within the secondary plant cell walls are pivotal in various applications of biomasses. Recent studies have shown that inorganic ion diffusion through secondary cell walls is controlled by a moisture-induced glass transition in amorphous polysaccharides, including amorphous cellulose and hemicelluloses. Understanding the diffusion of ions in these structures has been the subject of numerous recent experiments; however, a deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms of interactions between ion atoms and water/hemicellulose molecules is still lacking. This study uses molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the diffusion mechanisms of potassium and chloride ions in the cell walls under varying moisture content. The results reveal that a higher moisture content leads to the formation of solvent layers around the ions and reduces the charge interaction between the functional groups of wood polymers and ions. Hence, a higher moisture content results in an improved diffusion rate of ions within the domain. The simulation results also show that higher moisture content lowers the glass transition temperature, promoting diffusion of ions in the system. In contrast, increases in the ion concentration increase the glass transition temperature of the system and degrade the diffusion of ions in the system.

Quantitative detection of moisture content of corn by olfactory visualization technology

In this study, a novel method for quantitatively detecting the moisture content of corn by olfactory visualization technology is proposed. First of all, an olfactory visualization system was developed to obtain odor information of corn samples with varying moisture contents using sensor arrays. The sensor array was constructed with twelve chemical dyes, which helped assemble the system. Then, the RreliefF algorithm was utilized to sort the characteristic variables of the sensor image by weight, and the analytical model based on different combinations of input features was built using support vector regression (SVR). Moreover, the ability of three optimization algorithms, namely grid search (GS), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and dung beetle optimizer (DBO), was compared to determine their effectiveness in optimizing the parameters of the SVR model. The results reveal that the RreliefF-GS-SVR model demonstrates an enhanced correlation coefficient of prediction (RP), with an increase from 0.97 to 0.98, as well as the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), is reduced from 0.66% to 0.53% when compared to the GS-SVR model. Similarly, in comparison to the RreliefF-GS-SVR model and RreliefF-PSO-SVR model, the RreliefF-DBO-SVR model shows better predictive performance, with an increase in RP to 0.99 and a decrease in RMSEP to 0.25%. The comprehensive findings indicate that integrating olfactory visualization technology and multivariate analysis is feasible for conducting quantitative analysis of grain moisture content.

Process and isothermal storage stabilities of a live veterinary vaccine formulated with Plectranthus esculentus tuber starch derivatives as stabilizers

Comparability stability studies of a live Newcastle Disease LaSota vaccine were conducted post freeze-drying and during storage at 5±2, 25±2 and 37±1 °C to demonstrate the equivalence/inequivalence of stability profiles of vaccines stabilized with peptone (reference), trehalose and starch derivatives (acetylated xerogel and carboxymethylated) from Plectranthus esculentus tubers. Variations in moisture content during storage at 5±2 °C; physical collapse/shrinkage, partial microcollapse, and hydrophilicity of lyophilisates were prominent in starch stabilized vaccines without additives. Using the mean embryo infective dose (EID50) test, the derivatives and peptone stabilized vaccines had < 0.5 logEID50 loss in titre during freeze-drying. At the storage temperatures of 5±2, 25±2 and 37±1 °C, using peptone, acetylated xerogel starch, carboxymethylated starch, and trehalose, the average shelf lives of the vaccines were 23–55, 21–26, and 2.6–4.9 months respectively. Acetylated xerogel and carboxymethylated derivatives of Plectranthus esculentus tuber starch with/without additives were able to keep the live ND LaSota vaccine stable during freeze-drying at 1–3 % w/v. The stability of all the vaccines declined as storage temperatures increased. The acetylated xerogel stabilized vaccines were more stable than all of the others at 25±2 and 37±1 °C temperatures.

Kiln-drying effectiveness as influenced by moisture content and density variation within a Scots pine timber batch

ABSTRACT Sorting of sawn timber batches is crucial for efficient kiln-drying. This study aimed to verify the hypothesis of different drying attributes of 25 mm thick sapwood and mixed Scots pine boards sawn from a group of butt, second, and top logs and assess the effects of kiln-drying. Three options dry-bulb temperature were taken into account. The drying results were evaluated based on the final moisture content distribution, changes in the cross-sectional dimensions of the sawn timber, drying time, and unit heat consumption. Correlations between sawn timber features, drying temperature, and drying results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. The study proved the dependence of the initial moisture content and wood density variation of Scots pine sawn timber on the log type and the position on the round timber cross-section. The variation of drying attributes of the sapwood and mixed 25 mm Scots boards is insignificant in the final moisture content distribution and cross-sectional dimensions. However, green sorting may have only a beneficial effect on drying time and heat consumption.

Study on modeling roller squeezing semi-finished leather products

This study is devoted to the analysis of moisture content in a two-roll module of a machine for squeezing semi-finished leather products after chrome tanning. An analytical relationship was obtained that describes the patterns of variation in moisture content during the roller pressing of semi-finished leather products; inequalities were derived for estimating the residual moisture content of semi-finished leather products. It was revealed that with a decrease in the thickness and initial moisture content of the semi-finished leather product, its moisture content decreases. It was stated that with an increase in the initial moisture content of the semi-finished leather product, its residual moisture content increases and asymptotically approaches a certain value.

Systematic Calibration and Validation Approach for Discrete Element Method (DEM) Modeling of Corn Under Varying Moisture Contents (MC)

Abstract. Discrete Element Method (DEM) based simulation of grain threshing and conveyance processing at relatively dry to wet grain moisture content range has been limited. A comprehensive five-step framework of a DEM grain model calibration and validation of flow and grain impacts on equipment was investigated. The framework was examined by developing DEM models for corn grain moisture conditions sampled during crop harvesting, and simulated hopper discharge corn flow, and corn impact forces on a grain paddle elevator of a crop harvesting machine. Five bulk material response parameters were obtained from two calibration experiments of the angle of repose and direct shear test at the MC levels of 11%, 16%, and 26%. Latin hypercube sampling statistical design of experiment points, Gaussian Process Regression surrogate model, and optimization algorithms were successfully implemented to generate Hertz-Mindlin (HM) with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) cohesive model of corn at three moisture content levels. The DEM simulation results predict the corn mass flow rate of hopper discharge with relative errors of -5%, -4%, and 1% for corn at 11%, 16%, and 26% MC levels, respectively. The DEM also predicts corn impact forces on a paddle elevator with a relative error of less than 11%. The established DEM calibration methodology, used for simulation of crop threshing, and harvested grain handling processes at extreme grain moisture content, can accelerate the simulation-based design of crop harvesting equipment. Keywords: Calibration, Corn, Discrete Element Method, Moisture Content, Sensitivity analysis, Validation.