Prediction of the suitable amplitude of shaking unit for fruit harvesting [electronic resource].

Includes references.

A mathematical analysis is provided for predicting the suitable-shaking amplitude of limb tree shaker. The derived equation correlates the pulling force to fruit mass ratio, stem length, shaking frequency and damping ratio with the shaking amplitude. The mathematical equation was experimentally checked for two citrus varieties; Valencia and Grapefruit. The practical study showed that, the derived equation could be used with enough confidence in predicting the shaking amplitude of shaking unit in mechanical harvesting of citrus fruits. The optimum fruit removal percentages without limb damage was about 97 % for both varieties. These values were obtained at 0.4- 1.2 cm amplitude and 7- 6 Hz shaking frequency.

Summary in Arabic.

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