This paper presents a case study for non-linear Finite Element Method (FEM) based shattering simulation of shelled edible agricultural products. Walnut shell shattering using a simple nutcracker hand tool was considered in this case study. Some engineering properties were determined through physical compression tests to describe material models used in the FEM-based engineering simulation. Subsequently, a reverse engineering approach was employed in the solid modeling stage. The Walnut shell shattering case using a simple nutcracker hand tool was simulated considering non-linearity (explicit dynamics approach). Visual print-outs from simulation results revealed the shattering behavior of the walnut under defined boundary conditions. In addition to useful simulation print-outs of the shattering case, the time-dependent deformation behavior of the walnut during shattering was represented through charts. This work contributes to further research into the usage of non-linear numerical method-based deformation simulation studies for shelled edible agricultural products.

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H. K. Celik, G. Kunt, A. E. W. Rennie and I. Akinci, “Non-linear fem-based shattering simulation of shelled edible agricultural products: Walnut shattering by nut cracker hand tool,” International Journal of Technology and Engineering Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 84-92, 2017.