Evaluation of bruise volume quantification methods using finite element analysis for apple (Malus pumila Mill.).

To compare the applicability of different calculation methods for quantifying apple bruising under different experimental conditions, this study used the finite element method to evaluate the volume quantification method of bruising. Based on reverse engineering technology, an accurate 3D model of an apple was established and physical characteristic parameters were measured. The accuracy of the finite element models of the apple peel and flesh was verified from multiple angles, including drop state, velocity, and bruise surface area after collision, with a maximum error of 3.38%. The influence of drop height (600 mm, 900 mm, 1200 mm, 1500 mm, 1800 mm, and 2100 mm) and contact material (steel, resin, wood, and rubber) on bruise volume was analysed. Based on the results simulated by the finite element method, the accuracy of the bruise thickness method (BTM), the full depth method (FDM), the enclosed volume method (EVM), the unbruised volume removed method (UVRM) and the ellipsoid method (EM) were compared. The results show that the adaptability of each calculation method to the experimental conditions is different: the accuracy of estimating the volume of bruises is in the order of BTM > EM> UVRM > EVM > FDM (600 mm), FDM > EVM > UVRM > BTM > EM (900–1200 mm), BTM > EM > UVRM > EVM > FDM (1500–2100 mm), EM > BTM > UVRM > EVM > FDM (resin), BTM > EM > UVRM > EVM > FDM (steel, wood, and rubber). This study provides ideas for accurately determining the volume of fruit bruises and related simulation studies, and provides references for the adaptive selection of bruise calculation methods. [Display omitted] • An apple dual-layer model based on velocity and bruise area is verified. • The impact of height and contact materials on apple bruising is analyzed. • The bruise volume of apple is visually extracted. • The quantitative calculation methods for bruise volume is evaluated based on FEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]