Moisture content and bulk density prediction using dielectric properties for switchgrass and corn stover
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
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- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
Dielectric measurements between 0.1 to 10 MHz were obtained using an HP 4192A impedance analyzer for switchgrass and corn stover. For each material, the measurements were obtained at four moisture content levels and three bulk densities. Dielectric properties of these materials could be calculated based on admittance readings and each variable was significant for dielectric constant and loss factor measurements. Dielectric variables were used to predict moisture content and bulk density for both materials. For switchgrass, moisture content was predicted with R2 = 0.94 and RMSE = 0.052%, while for density was predicted with R2 = 0.85 and RMSE = 0.0323 g/cm3. For corn stover, moisture content was predicted with R2 = 0.90 and RMSE = 0.0315%, whereas, for bulk density, the regression model had a R2 =0.87 and RMSE = 0.0068 g/cm3. The results indicated that dielectric measurements have good potential for predicting moisture content and bulk density although further investigation is required for a wider range of frequencies, moisture content, and bulk density levels.