In this study, some physical properties (three axial dimensions, geometric mean diameter, sphericity, volume, surface area, unit mass, true and bulk density) and frictional characteristics (angles of repose and static and dynamic coefficients of friction against four structural surfaces namely aluminium, plywood, galvanized iron and rubber) as a function of maturity indices for Ashraf variety of pomegranate arils were investigated. All physical properties of pomegranate arils were significantly (P<0.05) affected by changing maturity in the studied stages. The obtained results showed that studied physical properties (except sphericity and true density) and frictional characteristics increased with an increase in maturity. The highest static coefficient of friction for pomegranate arils was against the rubber surface, followed by plywood, galvanized iron, and finally aluminium surfaces. In addition, static coefficient of friction values were higher than the dynamic coefficient of friction at similar maturity stages of the samples and on the same surfaces. The emptying angle of repose found to be higher than the filling angle of repose for pomegranate arils at all maturity stages. Static and dynamic coefficient of friction as well as empting angle of repose increased linearly with advancement of maturity.

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