a.h Asadzadeh - Department of Farm Machinery, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili Iran- Ardabil

The mechanical properties of rapeseed, like those of other grain oils, are essential for the design of equipment for handling, harvesting, storing and processing. These properties areaffected by moisture content. Moreover, knowledge of fracture characteristics of the seed hull is imperative for rational design of efficient de hulling systems, as well as for the optimization of the process and product parameters. In this research, rape seed was loadedwith velocity 1.5 mm/min between two parallel plates to determine the deformation at rupture point, force required and energy required to rupture, toughness and firmness. Sevenlevels of moisture content ranging from 6-24% wet basis and two variety rapeseed (Opera and Taliyah) were used. The results showed that moisture content were significant effects (p<0.01) on the total mechanical properties. By increasing of the moisture content, forcerequired to rupture, energy required to rupture, toughness and firmness decreased, while the deformation at rupture point was increased. Also the results showed that variety was notsignificant effect on the deformation at rupture point, while were significant effects (p<0.01)on the force required to rupture, energy required to rupture and firmness and were significant effects (p<0.05) on the toughness. Force required to rupture, energy required to rupture, toughness and firmness in the variety Talayeh was less than variety Opera

physical properties, rapeseed, firmness, toughness