Deformation energy of Jatropha curcas L. seeds under compression loading

Abstract

The present research is a follow-up of the previous studies on mechanical behaviour of Jatropha curcas L. seeds under compression loading. The research describes in detail the deformation energy which was determined from the area under the force-deformation curve. The compression device ZDM 50-2313/56/18 with a chart recorder and pressing vessel of diameter 76 mm were used to record the force-deformation functions of varying moisture content between 8.46% and 36.50% w.b. of Jatropha curcas L. seeds. Under the force-deformation curve, three main descriptions namely the increasing function (smooth curve), wave-effect characteristics (serration effect) and whole area under the force-deformation curve were analysed. For each of the force-deformation curve descriptions, it was found that moisture content influenced the values of compressive force, deformation, deformation energy and seed hardness. Interestingly, the research findings conclude that moisture content is a primary factor contributing to the wave-effect characteristics on the force-deformation curve.