THE VARIATION IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AFFECTS THE VERTICAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF THE RUDRAKSHA-BEAD (ELAEOCARPUS GANITRUS ROXB)

The present work was undertaken to determine the physical properties i.e. mass, sphericity, surface area, total surface volume changes the compressive strength of bead. The vertical compressive strength of beads was monitored under compression mode. Results showed that the compressive strength was increasing with small variations in geometrical parameters of bead. The range of compressive strength was found between 0.36 MPa to 0.80 MPa (N/mm2), and it was also observed that compressive strength increasing with incremental change in total surface volume and mass, but decreases with increase in cortical thickness. It has been observed the maximum bead is of cortical thickness 6 mm to 6.45mm and having maximum vertical compressive strength. And after its cracking it has been found that in the various chamber (depending on the mukhi) inside the bead 0-3 seeds are present. The Rudraksha is used in number of activities from curing ailments in Ayurveda to beautification in cosmetics items and also for medicinal purpose. In-order to make an usable form it is required to be milled properly in the form of fine powder. And the present data may support in designing a machine to analyzing the load carrying capacity and making the powder for various ayurvedic formulation.