Strength properties of soybean grain in axial compression

Quasi - static compression tests were carried out on soybean grains to study the moisture contents (MC) and direction of loading on failure force and deformation. Both factors examined had a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on the measured parameters. Failure force and deformation increased with increases in moisture content. The highest failure force (312 N) was recorded at 12% moisture content with the force applied along the minor axis of the grain, while the lowest failure force (68 N) was obtained at 10% moisture content with the force applied parallel to the major axis. The highest failure deformation (9.6 mm) occurred at moisture content of 12% (wb) with the force applied parallel to the minor axis of the grain. The lowest failure deformation (1.9 mm) was recorded at moisture content of 10% (wb) with the force applied along the major axis.