PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAM AS A FUNCTION OF MOISTURE CONTENT

This study was carried out to determine the effect of moisture content on some physical properties of gram. Six levels of moisture content ranging from 10.83 to 31.20 percent (dry basis) were considered for this study. Length, width, thickness, diameter of equivalent sphere, mass of 1000 grains and porosity increased linearly from 7.968 to 8.758 mm, 5.864 to 6.554 mm, 5.713 to 6.359 mm, 6.770 to 8.795 mm, 137.97 to 172.73 g, and 33.17 to 35.85% respectively with the increase of moisture content from 10.83 to 31.20%. The angle of repose increased from 27.03 to 33.27° with the increase of moisture content. Bulk density and true density decreased linearly from 787.31 kg/m3 to 712.61 kg/m3 and 1398 kg/m3 to 1250 kg/m3, respectively. Static coefficient of friction was determined over plywood, galvanized steel, celluloid sheet, and glass sheet. Static coefficient of friction varied from material to material and depended on the roughness and wetness of the true. The highest coefficient of static friction was found over plywood and lowest for glass sheet among the materials tested.