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Journal of Microwave Power
and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE) |
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TITLE |
Thermal Diffusivity Measurements
of Apples by Microwave Radiation [PDF] |
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AUTHORS |
N. Barthakur and J. Tomar 1988 23 1 39-44 |
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Abstract A microwave generator and
a closed-circuit wind tunnel were used to measure the thermal diffusivity of four
varieties of apples (Malus pumila (Mill.)) by the non-steady state method. The
coefficient of variation, for the measurements of thermal diffusivity of
apples did not exceed 5.8% as determined through the analyses of the cooling
curves. The method is relatively rapid as a single measurement of thermal
diffusivity was completed within two hours. Thermal diffusivities for the
post-harvest apples ranged from 1.22 x 10-7 m2s-1
for Atlas to 1.47 x 10-7 m2s-1 for Cortland.
The use of a semi-empirical relationship based on fruit moisture content and
temperature range was found insufficient to fully account for the variation
in the thermal diffusivity values of apples observed in the present study. |
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