Grain crushing is one of the methods used in grain grinding. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the relationships between selected mechanical properties of wheat kernels vs. moisture content and crosshead speed to optimize grain processing operations. The study involved the grain of quality wheat cultivars, including three spring cultivars and three winter cultivars. The compressive strength of wheat kernels was determined at three values of longitudinal strain: 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, and 2.2 mm. Mechanical tests were conducted at seven levels of grain moisture (14 %–20 % on a wet basis, w.b.), and the maximum force, crushing energy, and relative strain of individual kernels were determined at six crosshead speeds (5 mm·min−1 to 30 mm·min−1). The study demonstrated that the mechanical properties of wheat kernels were largely determined by cultivar, and the maximum force was 20 % higher on average in spring wheat kernels than in winter wheat kernels. The moisture content of kernels and crosshead speed exert the greatest influence on crushing energy, and the highest value of this parameter was noted at a moisture content of 17 % and a crosshead speed of 30 mm min−1. The maximum force increased by around 900 %, and crushing energy increased by around 450 % as relative strain increased from 0.44 to 0.97, and these relationships are well described by exponential and linear equations respectively. These equations can be used to estimate energy consumption during wheat grain crushing.
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