Mechanical properties of wheat under compression loading

In this research, fracture resistance of wheat grain was measured in terms of grain rupture force and energy The wheat grains were quasi-statically loaded in horizontal and vertical orientations with moisture content in three levels 7 8%, 15%, and 20% Based on the results obtained, the force required for initiating grain rupture decreased from 152 11 to 63 99 N, and the energy absorbed at grain rupture increased from 19 32 to 28 35 mJ, with Increase in moisture content from 7 8 to 20% d b, for horizontal orientation, respectively Maximum energy absorbed was found to be 24 3 mJ for grain with 20% moisture content under horizontal loading The highest mechanical strength (141 62 N) is related to grain with a moisture content of 7 8% under horizontal loading Energy absorbed by the seeds decreased as increased loading rate