Research on rice grain damage behavior with experimental and finite element modeling

Abstract Understanding the rice grain breakage mechanism is important to increase head rice yield. In this work, a developed mechanical experimental setup is produced, combing a texture analyzer with in situ observation. Grain damage behavior was researched with experimental and finite element modeling. Experimental results showed rice breaking force is closely related to pressing speed and rice length. Three models simulation (ellipsoidal model E model, three section model T model, real shape model R model) results show that the E model is not suitable for quasi‐static compression simulation, the peak force is 35.897% error with testing. T and R modeling results error is within 10%, the broken form is closely related to the dorsal groove and ridge. Initial cracks exit in the area close to the probe and expand inward. Surface cracks happen when element stress exceeds the tensile strength. These findings provide a theoretical basis for broken rice rate reduction during processing.