Co-Authors:
Alper, Y.
Foux, A.
Linor, J.
Abstract:
The dynamic response of fruit suspension twigs to induced vibration, in oranges of the Shamouti variety, is studied by the use of a mathematical model. The elastic properties of the fruit-twig system are defined by a nonlinear stiffness matrix which is determined experimentally. The stiffness matrix is used for the solution of the three dimensional equations of motion. The amplitude and frequencies of the spatial components of motion are solved by numerical methods, and the resultant tensile force between fruit and twig is determined as a function of time. This method is used to analyze the influence of parameters as frequencies, amplitudes and directions of the forcing motion on fruit detachment and to establish optimal operational conditions.