MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF PRODUCE DAMAGE MECHANISMS.

A mathematical model, enabling prediction of produce bruise size and depth of fruit deformation is developed. The maximal pressure at the center of the contact circle is also computed. Equations are developed for constant load forces, e. g. , dead weight, continuous sinusoidally varying force, a transient force pulse and combinations thereof. These enable comparison of bruise size, caused by static and dynamic loads of the same magnitude.