Moisture-dependent engineering properties of SML-668 variety of green gram

Seed moisture content is significant in the handling, storage and processing of seeds. This study was carried out to determine the physical properties of green gram seeds as function of seed moisture content in the moisture range of 6-24% dry basis (d.b). The average length, width, thickness, geometric mean diameter, thousand grain mass, angle of repose and water activity increase as the moisture content increased from 6 to 24% (d.b) and the sphericity was found to decrease from 0.928 to 0.625. Also bulk density was found to decrease from 1096 to 913.34 kg m-3, whereas true density decreased from 1369.5 to 1237 kg m-3, while the porosity was found to increase from 18.09 to 30.73%. The static co-efficient of friction of green gram increased against various surfaces such as, wood, glass, GI sheet and mild steel sheet, as the moisture content increased from 6 to 24% (db.).