Mechanical and physical properties of cotton (Gossypium Hirsutum) stalks
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1969
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Abstract
The mechanical and physical properties of mature cotton stalks were investigated. Sections 6 inches in length were selected and used for the test specimens. Tensile, flexural and shear forces were measured by a load cell which was mounted on a tension-compression apparatus and connected to an X-Y recorder. The recorder gave charts of the force versus loading time for each specimen. These charts were used to obtain the dependent variables of 1) modulus of elasticity, 2) ultimate tensile, flexural and shear strengths and 3) specific shear energy, by appropriate equations and other observed data. A pendulum-type cutting apparatus with 1/8 and 1/16-inch thick blades was used to measure the specific cutting energy. Independent variables of 1) moisture content, 2) dry matter density, 3) rate of loading, 4) specimen location along the stalk and 5) blade thickness, were studied. Different levels of the independent variables were considered and a completely randomized block design involving factorial treatment combinations was used. Factorial analyses of variance were conducted and significant results were obtained. Simple and multiple regression equations were developed to relate the dependent variables to the independent variables. Curves showing moisture content distribution along the stalk and the effect of drying time on this distribution were developed. Also, bark thickness and pith diameter distributions along the stalk are given.
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Major agricultural engineering