Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research
Project Number: 6042-21220-014-004-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2021
End Date: Sep 30, 2024
Objective:
1. Design of a test-bed to study the mechanical properties for the pecan shell fracture.
2. Build the test-bed including sensor capabilities to measure different mechanical aspects of the process.
3. Conduct studies of the different factors affecting the process.
Approach:
The proposed approach will combine mechanical engineering knowledge to understand the pecan shell fracture and bring a comprehensive study of design alternatives to crack the pecan shell while improving the yield of “full meats”. In addition, a process mapping approach to identify opportunities for production improvement will be conducted with a particular emphasis in process modernization. Process improvement will focus on a continuous problem-solving approach where the process needs will be decomposed in potential opportunities. The UGA team will bring expertise in agriculture, mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering and will involve an integrative team of undergraduates and graduate students from different disciplines.
