Geometric, physical and mechanical properties of the fruit-rachilla of the macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) considering different sampling sites in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the geometric, physical and mechanical properties of the fruit-rachilla system of the macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) from three different locations in the state of Minas Gerais. Three different sampling site wee assemble in the mature and green maturation stages. The replicates of the experiment were established, use 20 samples from four different plants for each sampling site, at different stages of maturation. For the experiment, the dimensions in three directions were determined, the mass, volume and density of the fruits and the rachilla. The modulus od elasticity and Poisson’s ratio were determined using a universal test machine. The mean values ​​of the diameter and density for the fruits were 40 mm and 1.20 g cm-3, approximately. The mean valeus of the density of the rachillae obtained ​​of 0.55 g cm-3. The dimensions and the density of the fruits and the rachillae presented significant in relation to the study of the interaction of the factors. The values of modulus of elasticity green maturation stage are higher than values for mature maturation stage in two sampling sites studied. The values of the Poisson’s ratio of the rachillae were 0.37 m m-1 and were not different with respect to none of the factors studied.