Theoretical aspects about simulating the reaction to impact of apples on rigid plane surfaces

The study presents a model of the fruits reaction to impact, expressed in a differential equation built on the hypothesis that the fruits are rheological Kelvin – Voight bodies with a linear viscoelastic behavior. The differential equation was integrated using the Runge-Kutta method using a Turbo-Pascal application conceived by the authors. The force-time and force-strain curves have been determined for the impact. These curves simulate the real ones, obtained during experiments and from science literature and they are similar. Knowing these curves helps obtaining the characteristics of the impact, necessary to evaluate the damage degree of the apples and/or the functional and design parameters of the mechanical systems.