Watermelon abrasion resistance parameters from friction tests

The abrasion resistance of watermelon was determined from a linear, sliding friction test. Destructive and non-destructive parameters, potentially related to abrasion resistance, were acquired from the watermelon, the test abrasive surface, and the force-displacement curve. The distance to the beginning of skin removal and the area of skin removed were selected as the primary indicators of abrasion resistance. Suitability of the remaining parameters as abrasion resistance indicators was assessed through correlation with the primary indicators. Width of skin removed, distance to threshold of failure, and area ratio (skin removed area : contact area) had the highest correlations with the primary indicators. A model was developed to predict area of skin removed as a function of distance to threshold of failure and contact area between sample and abrasive surface with a coefficient of multiple determination of 0.71 for 'Allsweet' and 0.67 for 'Black Diamond'.