Physical factors influencing mechanical detachment of apples

Abstract

From the results of this study the following conclusions can be drawn. All conclusions are based on statistical ABOVA tests at a five percent level of significance.

1. Baaed on 108 detachment tests, it can be concluded that the difference in rate at which the loads were applied to the stem, which were 0.175 and 0.350 in./sec did not affect the force of removal. 2. Based on 108 detachment tests, it can be concluded that the angle at which the load was applied to the stem did affect the force of removal. The loading angles used were 90, 60, 30 and 0 degrees. 3. Two, 4-day differences in the stage of maturity did not affect the detachment force. 4. Each individual stem exhibited non-linear stress-strain properties since the calculated apparent elastic modulus in bending decreased as stem deflection increased. S. The rate of applying the load to the stem influenced the calculated apparent elastic modulus values.