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Recent Studies in Mechanical Properties of Selected Hard-Shelled Seeds: A Review

  • Multiscale Experiments and Modeling in Biomaterials and Biological Materials
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Abstract

Seeds and nuts not only serve as important food sources for human beings but also exhibit excellent mechanical properties resulting from their extraordinary shell structures. A literature review has been performed on selected hard-shelled seeds, including almond, brazil nut, chestnut, hazelnut, macadamia, pecan, pistachio, and walnut, for their geometrical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of their shells and kernels. It was found that these properties vary between different cultivars and moisture contents. Ashby charts have been created to compare the geometries and rupture energy from different shells and kernels. The results could provide initial hints for the creation of bio-inspired composites as well as the development of equipment to produce high-quality products of hard-shelled seeds.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the funding support from the Vermont Manufacturing Collaborative funding (CS-20-1601) from US Industrial Base Assessment and Sustainment (IBAS) and Vermont Venture Innovation Fund (031365). Appreciation is also extended to support from Vermont Technical College and University of Vermont.

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  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, Randolph, VT, 05061, USA

    Fen Du

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Vermont, 33 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT, 05405, USA

    Ting Tan

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Du, F., Tan, T. Recent Studies in Mechanical Properties of Selected Hard-Shelled Seeds: A Review. JOM 73, 1723–1735 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-021-04688-w

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