Browsing by Author "Ajani, Ibrahim A."

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Mechanical Properties of Plantain Pseudostem
    (2011) Ajani, Ibrahim A.
    Variations in some mechanical properties of plantain pseudostem for three main varieties in Ghana were examined in the rainy and dry seasons. Apantu pa, Apem pa and Apem hemaa were selected in farms in the Kumasi metropolis during the rainy and dry seasons. Samples of the plantain pseudostem were obtained by cutting down matured plants bearing fruits, 20 cm from the ground and at the petiole. The strength properties namely; Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate stress were determined using three - point bending test method which followed the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 178. The test results showed that the Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate stress were remarkable high in the rainy season and low in the dry season for all three varieties. Apantu pa samples proofed superior to the other two in the rainy season, having the highest value for Young’s modulus of 26.49 GPa, yield stress of 1.3 MPa and ultimate stress of 2.17 MPa. In the dry season, the Apem pa samples proofed resilent than the other two, having the highest values of 1.41 GPa, 0.32 MPa and 0.64 MPa for Young’s modulus, yield stress and ultimate stress respectively.