Damage resistance and compressive properties of bulk maize kernels at varying pressing factors: Experiments and modeling

Abstract

The physical and mechanical properties of two maize cultivars, ZD 958 and SR 999, were determined. Compression testing of bulk corn kernels was performed using a universal compression testing machine and a transparent device with a plunger. The purpose of the research was to describe damage resistance and compression properties of bulk maize kernels by measuring the broken rate, deformation, deformation energy, volume energy, and hardness for different varying pressing factors. Moisture content levels of 12, 14, 17, 21, 25, and 31% were assayed for two corn varieties. The tested compression forces were 1,000, 1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, and 3,500 N. Three pressing vessels, 60, 80, and 100 mm in diameter, were used. The results showed that moisture content, pressing force, and vessel diameters created a significant effect on the values of broken rate, deformation, deformation energy, volume energy, and hardness (p