Verification and application of a model for predicting damage to horticultural produce during transport

A model for predicting bruising in multilayered apple packs was subjected to an extensive experimental test progam. A specially built test rig was used to simulated pothole and bump effects. A comparison of experimental and predicted total bruise volumes and bruise distribution between interfaces in a single column of apples showed that the transport model successfully predicted the effects of varying severity of potholes and bumps, number of apples (layers) in the column, suspension spring stiffness and damping constant and the ration of load to vehicle mass. All but four of the 72 experimental conditions examined showed very good correlation between experimental and predicted results at, or better than, the 0·025 significance level. Similarly, at-test of the effect of changing one variable at a time gave excellent correlations, mostly at the 0·1 significance level.The application of the model to commercial packages is described. The model is applicable to two-and three-dimensional packing arrangements, energy absorbing packages and a wide range of produce. The model is used to evaluate the effects of important transport variables-i.e. load-vehicle mass ration, suspension spring and damping constants and severity of road irregularity.The paper concludes tha the model opens the way to the management of transport damage in horticultural distribution by providing the means of selecting optimum vehicles, roads and packaging.