Abstract: The compression characteristics of whole jujube fruits of the Xiaokou variety from Jingyuan county, Gansu
were explored and simulation analysis was also carried out in order to predict the mechanical damage of fresh jujube during
harvest, storage and transportation. The elastic modulus, fracture force and relative deformation of whole jujube fruits under
different loading rates through compression test were obtained as 8.23–9.70 MPa, 227.52–305.97 N, and 16.07%–17.46%
in the transverse direction, respectively, and 10.05–11.44 MPa, 288.50–383.17 N, and 16.33%–20.12% in the longitudinal
direction, respectively. By observing their fracture characteristics, a finite element model of compression mechanics for fresh
jujube was established, and the biggest difference between the simulation and experimental values was 11.4%. The results
showed that anti-compression capacity of fresh jujube was anisotropic, that is, the transverse deformation of fresh jujube was
greater than their longitudinal deformation under the same pressure, while the transverse bearing pressure was greater than
the longitudinal bearing pressure under the same compression displacement. The distribution of internal stress and strain for
fresh jujube was analyzed using the finite element model after the simulation numerical solution was verified feasible. The
results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the design of operating equipment for and the reduction of mechanical
damage in fresh jujube.

Key words: mechanical properties, elastic modulus, finite element method, fresh jujube