INVESTIGATION OF THE ENGINEERING AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GINGER RHIZOMES

Abstract

Physical and mechanical properties of ginger rhizome are helpful in the design of new and appropriate systems for handling, processing, and mechanical slicing. In this study, both physical and mechanical properties of selected Indonesian ginger are investigated and evaluated at different moisture content (89%, 71%, 60%, 51% and 41%wet basis). The physical properties included the three linear dimensions, actual volume, true density, geometric mean diameter, surface area, sphericity, aspect ratio, the coefficient of static friction and shrinkage. The mechanical properties included puncture resistance, toughness, and modulus of elasticity, when the moisture content decreased from 89% to 41% (wb.). The obtained results showed that the axial dimensions (major; intermediate, and minor) decreased by an average of 26%, 79.23%, and 87.54%, respectively; the actual volume decreased by an average 60%; the true density increased by an average 43%; The geometric mean diameter and surface area decreased by an average 72.71%; and the modulus of elasticity at each moisture level was higher on the lateral orientation than that at longitudinal loading orientation.

Key Words: Freshginger, Dried ginger, Puncture, Modulus of elasticity, Shrinkage.