Project Number: 6202-21000-032-02
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 21, 2004
End Date: Mar 31, 2009

Objective:
The objective of this research is to develop a 3-D dynamic computational model of the pecan nut during development.

Approach:
1) Conduct microscopy to characterize the pecan nut shell and provide measurements for use in a computational model; 2) mechanically test nut specimens at several stages of development from several pecan cultivars (selected for a range of nut sizes and shapes) to determine transverse and longitudinal compression, fracture toughness and hardness; 3) input information obtained above into mechanical engineering simulation software to construct three dimensional models duplicating the internal nut structure and; 4) develop criteria to assess structural integrity.