Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Damage in Fruits

Thang, Kai Yuan (2025) Finite Element Analysis of Mechanical Damage in Fruits. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Mechanical damage in fruits, particularly bruising, is a significant concern in the agricultural industry, leading to substantial economic losses due to reduced food quality. This study focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of bruise damage in fruits using Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations. Current methods for predicting and quantifying fruit damage are often inadequate, especially for soft fruit, which are particularly susceptible to bruising due to their soft texture and thin skin. The research aims to develop accurate Finite Element (FE) models for simulating mechanical damage in apple, kiwi and mango fruit under various impact conditions. This study investigates mechanical damage in fruits through FEM simulations, focusing on bruise formation under various impact conditions. The research examines the effects of drop heights (0.25, 0.5, and 0.75m), orientations (vertical, horizontal, and 45◦), and impact surfaces (steel, polyethylene, and wood) on fruit bruising. The FEM simulations analyse stress distribution, contact forces, and internal energy absorbed for different drop heights, orientations, and impact surfaces. The study also introduces the Bruise Susceptibility (BS) to quantify fruit resilience to impact damage for the identification of critical drop height thresholds for significant bruise damage and the effects of impact surface materials on stress distribution. This FEA study quantifies how drop height, impact orientation and surface stiffness interact with fruit geometry to govern bruise formation in apples, kiwis and mangoes, revealing that damage escalates sharply above 0.5 m, concentrates where curvature is smallest, and varies markedly among fruit shapes. The research contributes to the development of improved handling and transportation practices in the agricultural sector, aligning with sustainable development goals by reducing food waste and improving food security. The FEM provides a cost-effective tool for predicting and minimizing bruise damage, with potential applications to other agricultural produces, offering significant benefits to the food industry.