Aerodynamic properties of sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus L.)

The terminal velocity of sunflower seed of three cultivars namely NSFH-36, PSF-118 and SH-3322 was evaluated as a function of moisture content between 6.0% and 14.0% d.b. At 6.2% d.b. moisture content the average value of terminal velocity for NSFH-36, PSF-118 and Hybrid SH-3322 variety of sunflower seed were 2.93, 2.54 and 2.98 m/s respectively. In the moisture range from 6% to 14% d.b., the terminal velocity of NSFH-36, PSF-118 and Hybrid SH-3322 variety of sunflower seed increased from 2.93 to 3.28, 2.54 to 3.04 and 2.98 to 3.53 m/s respectively. The corresponding value of drag coefficient varied from 0.18 to 0.24, 0.20 to 0.31 and 0.17 to 0.40 respectively for moisture range from 6% to 14% d.b. It appears from statistical analysis that variation in moisture content as well as variety either individually or in combination (interaction) influences terminal velocity and drag coefficient significantly.