Effects of some parameters on fracture resistance of sunflower seed

The fracture resistance of sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus L.) was measured in terms of average compressive force, deformation and energy absorbed at rupture. Sunflower seeds with moisture contents varying from 1.8 to 20.3% (wet basis) were loaded in vertical and horizontal orientations between two parallel rigid plates. The average compressive forces required to cause seed rupture were 43.36 N for the vertical and 27.37 N for horizontal orientations of loading. Deformation and the energy absorbed at rupture point of the seeds increased in magnitude with an increase in moisture content for loading in both vertical and horizontal orientations. The results provide useful information for engineers to design suitable sunflower seed dehuller machine.