Numerical modelling of geometric and physical properties of agri-food products using the examples of walnuts, peanuts and hazelnuts

Abstract

The aim of the study was to use a 3D scanner to develop numerical models of walnuts, hazelnuts and peanuts, to define geometric features of nuts based on these models, and to compare them against findings from digital image analysis, and measurements taken with a calliper and a pycnometer. The mean weight of a walnut is about 84% greater than the mean weight of a peanut, and about 83% greater than the mean weight of a hazelnut. Results from 3D scanning indicated that the mean surface area of a walnut is 61% larger than that of a peanut and 72% larger than that of a hazelnut. The mean volume of a walnut is 78% greater than that of a peanut and 84% greater than that of a hazelnut. 3D models of walnuts obtained by scanning can be used for the analysis of geometric properties. Measurements of nuts’ length, width and thickness taken with a calliper and 3D scanner provide similar results, and the differences are not statistically significant at α = 0.05. The use of a calliper is the simplest and fastest method of measurement. Findings from measurements and calculations of geometric properties obtained based on the image analysis of examined nuts are significantly different in most cases from findings obtained using a calliper or 3D scanner. The developed numerical models of nuts can be archived and used at any time for further analysis of shape by suitable computer software.

Keywords

• reverse engineering
• 3d scanner
• modelling
• juglans regia l
• arachis hypogaea l
• corylus avellana l