Engineering Analysis of Finger Millet (Eleusine Coracana) Grains: A Comprehensive Study on Physical and Mechanical Properties

A study was conducted to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of Finger millet grains. Parameters such as size, mass, density, porosity, moisture content, surface area, sphericity, angle of repose, coefficient of friction, and terminal velocity were examined. The results indicated that the grains had a uniform size distribution with narrow ranges and low standard deviations in their major, intermediate, and minor diameters and values were recorded as 1.87, 1.83 and 1.80 mm. Size and weight characteristics were obtained through volume and weight measurements of a thousand grains. Mean values of moisture content, surface area, sphericity, bulk density, true density, porosity values were obtained as 14.17%, 6.82 mm², 0.97%, 766 kg m^-3, 1350 kg m^-3 and 42.45%. Angle of repose and Terminal velocity mean values were recorded as 34.02 and 3.36 respectively. Coefficient of friction analysis assessed the grain’s interaction with surfaces, aiding in understanding flow and movement properties. Examining these properties provides valuable insights into Finger millet grains under different moisture conditions, enabling the development of effective strategies for production, processing, storage, and utilization of this vital cereal crop, enhancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices.