Finite Element Simulation of Fracture Mechanism of Fibrous Food.

A finite element model was developed to simulate, analyze, and to understand the finer
mechanical interactions between the growing crack and the constituent material properties
of turmeric (Curcuma longa) as a model material. The parameters varied were residual
stress state, fiber orientation, and interface bond. Fracture paths were predicted for fibers
with respect to primary crack plane. Finite element model studies showed that within the
parameters’ range selected the matrix residual compression caused cracks to deflect away
from the fiber when the crack length was approximately 30 μm from the center of the fibers.
The residual tension in the fibers promoted fibers to fracture when the cracks grew to within
10 μm from the fibers. The average specific fracture surface energy of turmeric was found to
be 8.86 ± 1.74 J/m2. Knowledge gained from such studies will be useful to predict a fracture
mechanism in food materials and efficiently design food size reduction systems.