Development of a Methodology for Assessing Mechanical Damage in Biological Objects: Impact Parameters and...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Materials Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Mechanical impacts from equipment can harm biological materials, affecting quality and viability.
• Existing methods for damage assessment are insufficient for precise evaluation.
• Understanding impact-induced damage is crucial for preserving biological resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a systematic methodology for identifying and quantifying mechanical damage in biological objects.
• To establish a reliable approach for assessing the extent of internal and external damage.
• To investigate the relationship between applied loads and resulting microstructural damage.

Main Methods:

• Artificial loading of biological samples using material testing and impact test benches.
• X-ray computed tomography (CT) for obtaining 2D cross-sections and 3D microstructural images.
• Image processing, including the Monte Carlo method, to calculate microdamage coefficients.

Main Results:

• A direct relationship was identified between the microdamage coefficient of corn seeds and external load parameters.
• The methodology successfully quantified microstructural changes caused by mechanical impacts.
• Destructive forces and damage extent were evaluated under varying load conditions.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology provides a reliable way to assess mechanical damage in biological materials.
• Findings are crucial for understanding the impact of technological equipment on biological object integrity.
• Further research is needed to apply this method to diverse biological samples and refine measurement precision.