Fuzzy prediction of maize breakage

Fuzzy sets theory allows uncertain phenomena to be treated mathematically. A fuzzy predictive model was developed to predict the breakage susceptibility of dried maize based on measurable process variables. The model is based on data acquired from nine experiments in a laboratory crossflow dryer with various initial maize moisture contents and drying temperatures. A 2-h verification experiment showed that 28 of the 36 predictions matched measured values of breakage susceptibility. The model can be used to predict maize breakage during drying.