A Numerical Model for Simulating Force-Induced Damage in Korla Fragrant Pears at Different Maturity Stages

Chen Ding, Peiyu Chen, Lin Liao, Shengyou Chu, Xirui Yang, Guangxin Gai, Yang Liu, Kun Li, Xuerong Wang, Jiahui Li and Haipeng Lan ()
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Chen Ding: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Peiyu Chen: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Lin Liao: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Shengyou Chu: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Xirui Yang: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Guangxin Gai: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Yang Liu: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China
Kun Li: Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer 843300, China
Xuerong Wang: Modern Agricultural Engineering Key Laboratory at Universities of Education Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Alaer 843300, China
Jiahui Li: Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps Key Laboratory of Utilization and Equipment of Special Agricultural and Forestry Products in Southern Xinjiang, Alaer 843300, China
Haipeng Lan: College of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Tarim University, Alaer 843300, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 15, 1-21

Abstract: The maturity of Korla fragrant pears directly influences their harvesting, packaging, transportation, and storage. Investigating the mechanical properties of fragrant pears at various maturity stages can help minimize damage during postharvest handling. This study employs micro-CT technology combined with reverse model scanning to develop a numerical model for force damage across different maturity stages, supported by experimental validation. The results demonstrate that both rupture force and rupture strain progressively decrease as the maturity of Korla fragrant pears increases, exhibiting a sudden transition. Simultaneously, the fruit’s microstructure shifts from distinct cellular organization to an irregular, collapsed state. The proposed numerical model, which accounts for this abrupt change, provides a better fit than models based on a single physical parameter, with the R 2 value improving from 0.7922 to 0.9665. Furthermore, this model accurately quantifies the mechanical properties of fragrant pears at all stages of maturity. These findings offer technical support for reducing postharvest losses and serve as a reference for developing damage prediction models for other fruits and vegetables.

Keywords: Korla fragrant pear; postharvest processing; maturity; mechanical properties; numerical models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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