IMPACT PROPERTIES AND IMPACT DAMAGE TO CORN

The effect of different levels of velocity of impact, kernel moisture content and kernel orientation were investigated on the formation of internal cracks. Statistical analysis showed all main effects significant at the (alpha)=0.05 level. The number of kernels with internal cracks increased with reduction of moisture content and increase in velocity of impact. At a velocity of impact of 10m/s no significant differences was found on the number of kernels internally cracked for kernels at 20.0% and 29.3% moisture content. At a velocity of 18m/s the side and corner orientations produced the most damage, but at velocity of 10m/s, no significant difference was found among the kernel orientations. At all moisture contents and velocities tested, the values of peak force during the impact on the side orientation were greater than the values for the impact on the top orientation. The compressive stresses computed using an one dimensional finite element elastic model for corn kernel increased with an increase in velocity of impact and a decrease in moisture content