Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Xylopia aethiopica Fruit

Xylopia aethiopica is important crop that has medicinal and economic values and commonly utilized traditionally in the treatment of several ailments. Thus, research carried out to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of xylopia aethiopica, namely length, width, thickness, mean diameters, sphericity, surface area, volume, true and bulk densities, porosity, angle of repose and static coefficient of friction, angle of repose, rupture force of xylopia aethiopica at 9.7% moisture content (w.b.). Also, develop a database for engineers as well as by food scientists, processors and breeders properties of xylopia aethiopica. The average length, width, and thickness varied between 25.13 and 87.60 mm, 3.48 and 5.79 mm, and 2.14 and 4.78 mm. The average sphericity, aspect ratio, surface area, volume, 1000 unit mass bulk and true densities of xylopia aethiopica revealed 15.50%, 6.69%, 450.38 g, 389.31 kg/m3 and 873.04 kg/m3.Detailed information (database) provided will be useful in the design and development of machines to mitigate against stress involved in handling and processing of xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae) fruit. It is recommended to use stainless steel as materials for equipment construction.