PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENTIST, cilt.92, sa.1, ss.85-91, 2009 (SCI-Expanded)
Strength and deformation parameters were determined for sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) stalk. Strength parameters consisted of maximum force and bioyield force in shearing, shearing and bioyield stress, maximum energy in maximum force, maximum energy in bioyield point and modulus of elasticity. Deformation parameters, on the other hand, consisted of bioyield deformation and maximum breaking dilatation. These parameters were calculated based on the force versus displacement curve by using a computer aided cutting apparatus. The tests were conducted at four moisture contents (10%, 20%, 40% and 60% d. b.) and at different stalk sections (upper, middle and lower). The highest shearing stress was 6.00 N mm(-2) at the lower stalk section at 10% moisture content. Bioyield force values increased with an increase in moisture content. Moisture content had no significant effect but the stalk sections had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on bioyield stress. The highest modulus of elasticity was 30.51 N mm(-2) at the lower stalk section at 20% moisture content, while the lowest modulus of elasticity was 14.50 N mm(-2) at the upper stalk section at 10% moisture content.