title: Models for predicting the mass of lime fruits by some engineering properties.
abstract: Grading fruits based on mass is important in packaging and reduces the waste, also increases the marketing value of agricultural produce. The aim of this study was mass modeling of two major cultivars of Iranian limes based on engineering attributes. Models were classified into three: 1-Single and multiple variable regressions of lime mass and dimensional characteristics. 2-Single and multiple variable regressions of lime mass and projected areas. 3-Single regression of lime mass based on its actual volume and calculated volume assumed as ellipsoid and prolate spheroid shapes. All properties considered in the current study were found to be statistically significant (ρ < 0.01). The results indicated that mass modeling of lime based on minor diameter and first projected area are the most appropriate models in the first and the second classifications, respectively. In third classification, the best model was obtained on the basis of the prolate spheroid volume. It was finally concluded that the suitable grading system of lime mass is based on prolate spheroid volume.
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 1163, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed-Hassan
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Miraei Ashtiani
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 1163, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Jalal
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baradaran Motie
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 1163, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Bagher
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Emadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Agricultural Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, P.O. Box 1163, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Mohammad-Hosein
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Aghkhani
keywords: Grading; Lime; Mass models; Packing; Physical property