Mechanical properties of a composite formed from bamboo granules and glass fiber
Enhancing Mechanical Engineering Education in Zimbabwe Through Identifying Critical Equipment, Facilities, and Maintenance Strategies for Effective Training at Universities
Investigating Fiber Laser Marking Parameters for Titanium Alloy to Enhanced Orthopaedic Implants Traceability and Corrosion Resistance
Seed Dropping Drone
Additive Manufacturing: A Catalyst for Economic Development in Zimbabwe
Design of Oil-Ammonia Separator for Refrigeration Systems
A Review on Mechanical and Tribological Characteristics of Hybrid Composites
Design and Experimental Investigation of a Natural Draft Improved Biomass Cookstove
Progressive Development of Various Production and Refining Process of Biodiesel
Optimization of Wire-ED Turning Process Parameters by Taguchi-Grey Relational Analysis
Evaluation Of Mechanical Behavior Of Al-Alloy/SiC Metal Matrix Composites With Respect To Their Constituents Using Taguchi Techniques
Multistage Extractive Desulfurization of Liquid Fuel by Ionic Liquids
Isomorphism Identification of Compound Kinematic Chain and Their Mechanism
Development of Electroplating Setup for Plating Abs Plastics
A Comprehensive Review of Biodiesel Application in IDI Engines with Property Improving Additives
Bamboo powder-reinforced polyethylene (PE) composite was created as an ecologically acceptable engineering material, and its mechanical properties were evaluated. The composite material was compatibleized with maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to increase bamboo powder-polyethylene matrix adherence. Everywhere, HDPE items are in high demand. Bamboo powder and glass fiber composite manufacture is under green technology development. They are also low-density, highly specialized, eco-friendly, and inexpensive. The matrix for this experiment is high-density polyethylene combined with bamboo powder and glass fiber. Each sample was compressed molded. After pretreatment, samples' mechanical characteristics were characterized. Bamboo powder, glass fiber, and polymer mass ratios were considered for making specimens. Flexural and compressive testing shows that adding bamboo powder and glass fiber improves mechanical characteristics. The findings suggest that BP/GF/HDPE polymer composites might be employed for stress-bearing sheets, films, and pipes.
Enhancing practical skills training at universities call for the need for critical equipment and facilities to be available, adequate, relevant, and well-maintained. Improper maintenance of workshop facilities cripples effective teaching and acquisition of skills. In this regard, this article focuses on the investigation of equipment needed for mechanical engineering institutional workshops, its failures, and its maintenance. Mixed methods were used, including a review of other researchers' work on critical equipment for comprehensive engineering training based on educator and employer perspectives (qualitative). Methods employed included desktop research and physical visits (quantitative method) to carry out observations. Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access were used to compute data and develop a computerized maintenance system to support the maintenance of training equipment and facilities. A priority list of essential facilities and machinery was developed, and maintenance plans were proposed based on a pilot study of two important machine tools the milling and lathe that were utilized in the experimental construction of an automated maintenance management system. As further work, this study can be used to enhance mechanical engineering graduates’ skills and proficiencies so that they are employable and able to contribute positively to solving social and economic challenges.
Corrosion poses a significant threat to medical devices, compromising their structural integrity, functionality and biocompatibility, which can lead to device failure, patient injury and even life threatening complications. This investigation used Titanium alloy (Grade 5) biocompatible material which offers superior strength-to-weight ratio, better resistance against corrosion, light in weight, but is costlier. Grade 5 titanium alloys, in particular, form a passive oxide layer (mostly titanium dioxide, TiO₂) on their surface that offers superior resistance to corrosion. But some circumstances may weaken this layer or cause particular kinds of corrosion such as Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking (due to certain chemical processes or saltwater), Pitting corrosion (creates small holes in materials), Galvanic corrosion (titanium is in contact with a dissimilar metal in the existence of an electrolyte). Thus due to high-temperature saline environments, corrosion can weaken the material and lower its fatigue strength. Hence, selection of optimum laser parameters during marking is a method for controlling the corrosion. In this research article, used different laser making parameter (power, speed and frequency) based upon orthogonal array L9 and finally, best combination of parameters were selected for different device system (Screw, Plates, Nail, Hip prosthesis) for orthopaedic application. In addition, the study of elemental analysis before & after laser marking is performed, to know whether change of element %age of material or not/to confirm whether the elemental percentage are within acceptable limit as per ISO 5832-3. Apart from this, Potassium Ferricyanide-Nitric Acid Test (blue point test) as per ASTM standard A967/A967M − 17 was performed, after laser marking to examine the effect laser penetration in a laser marking area to examine the corrosion.
Drone technology is increasingly being used for large-scale reforestation and precision agriculture through seed dropping techniques. This approach involves covering seeds with biodegradable coconut scrub, a natural material that acts as a protective coating. The coconut scrub helps retain moisture, shields the seed from pests, and promotes better integration into the soil, enhancing the chances of successful germination. By utilizing drones with specialized seed-dispensing mechanisms, seeds can be distributed over vast areas, including remote and challenging terrains, with high precision and consistency. This significantly reduces the labor, time, and costs associated with traditional planting methods. The coconut scrub coating serves multiple functions: it safeguards the seed during the aerial drop, facilitates moisture retention, and eventually decomposes, adding organic matter to the soil. The drone-based system can be programmed to follow specific flight paths, ensuring targeted seeding in degraded or hard-to-access regions. This method not only increases the survival rate of seeds but also supports ecological restoration efforts, aiding in combatting deforestation and promoting sustainable land management practices. Integrating drone technology with the use of coconut scrub-coated seeds presents a scalable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to enhance reforestation initiatives and improve agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner
Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3 dimensional printer (3DP) presents a transformative opportunity for agro-based third-world countries like Zimbabwe. By enabling localized, on-demand production, AM/3D can revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, food processing, and rural development. This paper explores the current state of implementation of AM, challenges being faced by the industries in implementing AM technologies, and success stories in the nearby countries like South Africa and Botswana. Furthermore, the researchers explored on the opportunities where AM can be used. In the agricultural sector the researchers delved much into specific applications, including the creation of precision agricultural tools, custom-fit prosthetic devices for farm workers, and innovative packaging solutions for perishable goods. Additionally, the paper discusses the positive economic implications of AM adoption, including job creation, reduced reliance on imports, and the promotion of sustainable practices. By leveraging AM, 3rd world countries like Zimbabwe can unlock new avenues for growth, improve livelihoods, and enhance their global competitiveness. Furthermore, the paper draws up the implementation framework of AM technology in Zimbabwe’s agriculture highlighting the need to involve institutions of higher learning and research to involve all provinces.
