Deformation behaviour simulation of an apple under drop case by finite element method

This study focuses on the deformation behaviour of organic materials under a drop case. A Golden Delicious apple was chosen as the sample organic material. A three-dimensional (3D) scanner, high speed camera and finite element method (FEM) simulations were utilised to investigate drop case deformation events of the organic material. In total, 22 steps after impact were set up in the simulation by comparing high speed camera screen steps. Maximum equivalent stress of 0.416 MPa and maximum contact force (resultant normal force from rigid plane at impact) of 250.980 N were obtained from simulation results. Visual investigations and simulation results relating to deformations observed under the drop case, agreed well. This study contributes to further our understanding of fruit and vegetable damage/deformation by using computer aided engineering applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.