Determining of Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus of pumpkin tissue-using laser measurement sensors

Universal Testing Machine was used to assess mechanical properties of peel, unpeeled and flesh samples of Japanese variety of pumpkin (Cucurbita Maxima). Laser measurement sensors were used during the uniaxial compression test to capture lateral displacement of unpeeled and flesh samples. Different shape of curve was observed for peel in comparison with unpeeled and flesh samples due to the difference in the structure, moisture level and cellular arrangement of tissues. The Poisson’s ratio determined for unpeeled and flesh tissues were 0.33 and 0.43 respectively. Elastic modulus found for peel sample was relatively higher than unpeeled and flesh tissue