Assessment of angle of repose of granular plant material using computer image analysis

The work presents a potential application of computer image analysis for assessment of the natural angle of repose of granular materials. The tests were conducted on 4 corn cultivar varieties for five levels of grain moisture within the moisture range 7-35%. It was found that computer analysis applied to determine the angle of repose significantly improved measurement precision. The results of research may provide a basis for proper computing project data for various kinds of conveyors, containers for agricultural material storage and devices with filtered, fluidal or fountain beds. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd.