Physical and mechanical properties of faba bean seeds [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Various physical and mechanical properties of three different varieties of faba bean seeds were evaluated as a function of moisture content in the range of 9.8 to 26.5% (dry basis, d.b.). Mathematical models describing the change of physical and mechanical properties as dependent variables with moisture content as independent variable were studied. The average length of faba bean seeds increased from 13.55 to 16.46mm, from 18.49 to 20.91mm and from 20.52 to 2224mm; the width increased from 10.69 to 13.23mm, from 13.26 to 15.53mm and from 14.99 to 16.82mm; the thickness from 6.29 to 8.42mm, from 7.51 to 9.32mm and from 14.99 to 16.82mm for medium1, medium2 and large-seeds, respectively as the moisture content increased from 9.8 to 26.5%. The geometric mean diameter, sphericity, surface area, volume of seed, thousand seeds mass and porosity were linearly increased, while the bulk and true densities were decreased with the increase in moisture content. The angle of repose and coefficient of friction of seeds on various surfaces increased with the increase in moisture content for all different varieties of faba bean seed. Plywood as a surface for sliding offered the maximum friction followed by galvanized iron, aluminum and stainless steel. The developed mathematical models were highly accurate and can be used to describe the physical and mechanical properties as a function of moisture content during handling processes of other faba bean seed varieties.

Summary in Arabic.

1