title: Studies on vibration characteristics of a pear using finite element method.
abstract: The variation of the vibration characteristics of a Huanghua pear was investigated using finite element simulations. A new image processing technique was used to obtain the unsymmetrical and un-spherical geometrical model of a pear. The vibration characteristics of this type of pear with the correlation of its behavior with geometrical configurations and material characteristics were investigated using numerical modal analysis. The results showed that the eigenfrequency increased with the increasing pear Young's modulus, while decreased with increasing pear density, and decreased with increasing pear volume. The results of this study provided foundation for further investigations of the physical characteristics of fruits and vegetables by using finite element simulations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China. songhz@citiz.net
authors.forename: Hui-zhi
authors.initials: HZ
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yong-hui
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D005524:Food Technology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008954:Models, Biological; D031989:Pyrus / Q000737:chemistry*