Evaluating carrot (Daucus carota L.) physical properties and static coefficient of friction for equipment design

Abstract

To facilitate the design of equipment for carrot harvesting and processing, this study aimed to determine key physical properties of carrots (Daucus carota L). The wet-basis moisture content of carrots was found to be 89%. Linear dimensions ranged from 62 to 186mm in length, with 88% falling within the 80-150mm length and 20-40mm diameter range. The mean mass and volume were measured at 111g and 115cm³, respectively. Carrot density, bulk density, and porosity were determined as 1122.44 kg/m³, 470 kg/m³, and 58.03%, respectively. The arithmetic mean and geometric mean diameters were 55mm and 44.96mm, respectively. Roundness, sphericity, and cylindricity were measured as 0.4540, 0.4675, and 0.5694, respectively, while the angle of repose and surface area were 44° and 40-60 cm², respectively. Additionally, the mean coefficients of static friction were observed to be 0.6114, 0.6990, and 0.7124 on stainless steel, galvanized iron steel, and mild steel surfaces, respectively.