WATERMELON ABRASION RESISTANCE PARAMETERS FROM FRICTION TESTS

The abrasion resistance of watermelon was determined from a linear, sl iding friction test. Destructive and non-destructive parameters, poten tially related to abrasion resistance, were acquired from the watermel on, the test abrasive surface, and the force-displacement curve. The d istance to the beginning of skin removal and the area of skin removed were selected as the primary indicators of abrasion resistance. Suitab ility of the remaining parameters as abrasion resistance indicators wa s assessed through correlation with the primary indicators. Width of s kin removed, distance to threshold of failure, and area ratio (skin re moved area : contact area) had the highest correlations with the prima ry indicators. A model was developed to predict area of skin removed a s a function of distance to threshold of failure and contact area betw een sample and abrasive surface with a coefficient of multiple determi nation of 0.71 for 'Allsweet' and 0.67 for 'Black Diamond'.