Experimental investigation on durian thorns

Abstract

Durian is a fruit that has a round shape with thorny shell. When a durian is ripe and falling down from a tall branch to the ground, its thorn help absorb shock from an impact with the ground and lessen the damage to its soft internal flesh. This research aims to investigate the structure of durian thorn and its mechanical properties. Among varieties of durian cultivars, Monthong durian is selected as a representative variety because of its popularity and availability. Thorns and components of durian peels are harvested from a ripened durian and stored in vacuum refrigerated bags. Modulus of Elasticity of each component is measured by performing uniaxial tensile tests on coupon samples. The results show the gradients of modulus of elasticity at various points on the durian peels. The experimental results can be used as inputs for finite element simulations of durian thorns for further analysis.