Strength and Elastic Properties of Cassava Tuber

Oladele Peter Kolawole, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan
Leo Ayodeji Sunday Agbetoye, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
A. S. Ogunlowo, Agricultural Engineering Department, Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, some engineering properties of cassava tuber samples were determined experimentally under five moisture content levels of 70 %, 65 %, 60%, 55 %, and 50 %wet basis. The properties measured were tensile strength, compressive strength and elasticity. Three experimental tools were designed and fabricated using spring balance, hose-clips, and 12Volts motor with reels and rope for the investigations. The IITA improved cassava variety TMS 4(2) 1425 was used in the experiments. Results of the tests indicated that all the properties measured were influenced by the moisture contents of the tuber.