Study of mechanical properties of marking nut (Semecarpus anacardium L.)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical properties of marking nut for designing a marking nut cracker which reduces the kernel breakage and also optimization of moisture content is important for efficient cracking of nuts. In this study, The angle of repose of marking nut and kernel were 50.20 to 53.86o and 33.17 to 37.16o. The force needed to rupture; deformation at rupture point, energy used for rupture and hardness of marking nut (37.17 kg, 3.61 mm, 134.80 kg mm and 10.82 kg mm-1) is higher as compared to the kernel (17.20 kg, 2.65 mm, 45.58 kg mm and 6.49 kg mm-1) which indicates that kernel needed the lowest strain to rupture as compared to marking nut.