International Journal of Advanced Engineering and Technology

Authors
Egbe E W, Tariebi K

Abstract
The nut cracking process is labour intensive and usually a large percentage of the kernels are broken which tends to reduce its market value. Therefore, determination of the physical and frictional properties suitable to explore the possibility of developing their handling and processing equipment was investigated at moisture content 8.1, 9.7, 10.2, 11.0 and 11.4% at wet basis. Venier caliper was used to determine the seed dimension. The aspect ratio, seed surface area, seed volume, bulk density, true density and angle of repose were investigated. The results shows that its major, intermediate and minor diameter ranged from 3.60cm-5.0cm, 4.50cm-2.70cm and 3.20cm-2.0cm respectively, its seed volume ranged from 8.55-26.86cm3, surface area ranged from 19.11-47.94cm2 and equivalent diameter ranged from 4.22-8.49cm and true and bulky density polynomially increased from 3.64g/cm2 – 4.33g/cm2, 10.31g/cm2-12.26 g/cm2 respectively and was observed to increase with an increase in moisture content (wet basis) and its relevant regression equations were developed. The frictional properties were also studied, it was observed that the coefficient of static friction increased from 0.60-0.90 (plywood), 0.50-0.82 (mild steel), 0.37-0.70 (glass), 0.30 to 0.64 (plastic), amongst which plywood gives the highest range of value which implies that plywood constructed machine required higher power closely followed by mild steel. Conclusively, the results of this study are recommended for use by designers to qualitatively design effective and efficient machines for processing, drying, handling operations, storage of Dika seeds and machines for cracking kernel.