EFFECT OF MOISTURE CONTENT ON SOME SELECTED MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FARO 44 AND 57 VARIETY OF RICE (PADDY AND DEHUSKED)

The mechanical properties of rice are among the most important parameters for designing and development of a rice milling machine, destoning machine as well as materials handling. The objective of the study was to determine the mechanical (angle of sliding and internal frictions) properties of (FARO 44 and FARO 57) paddy and dehusked at three different moisture content (5, 10 and 15%) moisture content dry basis. These properties were determined using Funnel and Baker technique and shear box apparatus respectively. The results showed that, angles of internal friction were at least 15.2°, on the average within the moisture ranges tested however, 35° angles were also obtained. Angles of sliding friction ranged between 40° - 50°. This study concludes that moisture content and variety affect the engineering property; angle of internal friction is useful in the determination of lateral and horizontal stress in the silo for grain storage.