Comparison of some engineering properties of rapeseed cultivars

Abstract

Several engineering properties of three rapeseed cultivars (Capitol, Jetneuf and Samurai), newly planted cultivars in Turkey, were determined and compared. These properties are necessary for the design of equipments for harvesting, processing, transporting, sorting, separating and packing. Some engineering characteristics Such as: average length, diameter, the geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity, volume, 1000-seed weight, bulk and true densities, porosity, terminal velocity, angle of repose, coefficient of static friction and rupture strength were studied. Further, multi-linear models for three cultivars were developed and presented to predict the seed surface area. Results showed that Capitol cultivar had highest length and diameter than the Jetneuf and Samurai cultivars. Capitol was significantly heavier than the others. Similarly, it was found highest the bulk density, terminal velocity, angle of repose for Capitol. But, Jetneuf cultivar had the highest true density and porosity than the Capitol and Samurai cultivars. On the six different surfaces, the coefficient of static friction of the Capitol cultivar, was significantly greater than that of the other cultivars. For all cultivars, the static coefficient of friction was greatest against rubber and the least for stainless-steel. The rupture force applied for Capitol was the highest and it was followed by the one applied for Jetneuf and Samurai. All the properties of cultivars provide useful data to engineers in equipment design and post-harvest technology for the seeds were generally found to be statistically different. These differences Could be due to the individual characteristics of cultivars.