Prediction of Tuber Damage from Harvesting and Processing Machine Working Units Based on the Recording of Impact Parameters

The paper presents the development of an empirical mathematical model of the potato tuber damage index that considers the relationship between impact parameters, such as peak acceleration, velocity change, and the experimental coefficient. This coefficient was developed using statistical analysis methods for four isolated surfaces and two potato varieties, Hermes and Saturna. The IRD 400 device was used to measure impacts, which recorded peak accelerations and changes in impact velocity at initial velocities in the 2.43–4.43 m·s−1 range. The study’s results indicate that the variety, type of surface, and initial impact velocity had a statistically significant effect on the tuber damage index; the type of surface and initial impact velocity had a statistically significant effect on the peak acceleration values (p < 0.05). The increase in peak acceleration with increases in the impact velocity confirms the hypothesis that the maximum force and the resulting internal stresses of the tuber are key elements causing damage due to the impact. The highest values of the tuber damage index occurred during impacts with steel surfaces and conveyor bars. The developed model allows for the faster prediction of potential damage in harvesting and post-harvest processing conditions than traditional measurement methods. To fully use the proposed model in Agriculture 4.0, further research should be conducted to improve recording devices for the measurement of impact parameters in real time.