Development of a Methodology for Assessing Mechanical Damage in Biological Objects: Impact Parameters and Micro-Damage Analysis

Mechanical impacts on loose biological objects caused by technological equipment can result in both external and internal damage, compromising the quality, storage life, and reproductive capacity of biological materials. This study addresses the need for a reliable methodology to assess such damage. The research aims to develop a systematic approach for identifying damage parameters in biological objects. The methodology involves applying artificial loading to biological samples, determining destructive forces, conducting tomography, processing images, and evaluating damage extent. Experiments were performed using a standard material testing machine and a custom-built impact test bench with varying parameters such as static and dynamic characteristics, object orientation, and load magnitude. The microstructure of the sample, in the form of 2D cross-sections and 3D images, was obtained using X-ray computed tomography. Image processing, with the Monte Carlo method, allowed for the calculation of microdamage coefficients. The key result of this study is the identification of a relationship between the microdamage coefficient of corn seeds and external load parameters. These findings are critical for understanding the effects of mechanical impact on biological materials. Future research should focus on expanding the study to other biological objects and enhancing measurement techniques for more precise damage assessment.