Engineering properties of groundnut pods (TAG-73 variety) relevant to the design of a pod stripper

Abstract

The mechanization of groundnut pod stripping plays a crucial role in enhancing post-harvest efficiency, reducing labor dependency and minimizing pod damage. Among various operations in groundnut processing such as harvesting, stripping, threshing, grading, cleaning, sorting, separation and packaging, the effective design and development of equipment require a thorough understanding of the crop's engineering properties. This study aims to investigate the engineering properties of groundnut pods of the TAG-73 variety to support the design and development of groundnut pod stripper. Key parameters such as size, shape, bulk density, true density, porosity, angle of repose, coefficient of friction and terminal velocity were determined. The observed properties of TAG-73 groundnut pods included a geometric mean diameter of 19.45 mm, surface area of 1188.41 mm², bulk density 240 kg/m3, true density of 830 kg/m³, porosity 72.29%, angle of repose of 45°, and coefficient of friction of mild steel and stainless steel 0.83 and 0.72. These values are vital for the optimal design and evaluation of the pod stripper, contributing to efficient handling, energy savings and minimal pod damage.