Sustainable School Furniture Manufacturing: A Case of a Basic Workshop Innovation in Zimbabwe
Design and Testing of a Low-Cost Manually Operated Briquette Press for Sustainable Biomass Utilisation
Development of Arc Welding Defects for NDT Certification in Zimbabwe using Design of Experiments
A Comprehensive Examination of Various Edible and Non-Edible Oils
A Comprehensive Review of Tribological Performance of Coatings on Automotive Piston Rings
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
Enhancing practical skills training at universities requires the availability, adequacy, relevance, and proper maintenance of critical equipment and facilities. Improper maintenance of workshop facilities hampers effective teaching and the acquisition of skills. In this regard, this paper focuses on investigating the equipment needed for mechanical engineering institutional workshops, its failures, and its maintenance. Mixed methods were used, including a review of work on critical equipment for comprehensive engineering training based on educator and employer perspectives, with online research and physical visits employed to carry out observations. Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access were used to analyze 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 key machine tools, the milling machine and lathe, which were used in the experimental construction of an automated maintenance management system. This study can be utilized to enhance the skills and proficiencies of mechanical engineering graduates, enabling them to be employable and contribute positively to solving social and economic challenges.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) or 3D printers (3DP) present 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 study 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 authors explored the opportunities where AM can be used. In the agricultural sector, the authors delved 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 study 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 study 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.
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), a biocompatible material that offers a superior strength-to-weight ratio, better resistance against corrosion, and is lightweight but costlier. Grade 5 titanium alloys, in particular, form a passive oxide layer (mostly titanium dioxide, TiO₂ ) on their surface, providing superior resistance to corrosion. However, certain circumstances can weaken this layer or cause specific types of corrosion, such as chloride stress corrosion. Cracking (due to certain chemical processes or saltwater), pitting corrosion (which creates small holes in materials), and galvanic corrosion (when titanium is in contact with a dissimilar metal in the presence of an electrolyte) can occur. Due to high- temperature saline environments, corrosion can weaken the material and lower its fatigue strength. Therefore, selecting optimal laser parameters during marking is a method for controlling corrosion. In this research article, different laser marking parameters (power, speed, and frequency) were applied based on the orthogonal array L9, and the best combination of parameters was selected for different device systems (screws, plates, nails, and hip prostheses) for orthopedic applications. Elemental analysis before and after laser marking was performed to determine whether the percentage of elements in the material changed and to confirm whether the elemental percentages remained within acceptable limits. Furthermore, the potassium ferricyanide-nitric acid test (blue point test) was conducted after laser marking to examine the effect of laser penetration in the marked area and assess its impact on corrosion.
As an environmentally friendly engineering material, bamboo powder-reinforced polyethylene (PE) composite was created, and its mechanical properties were investigated. To enhance the attachment of bamboo powder to the polyethylene matrix, the composite material was made compatible with maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE). There is a significant demand for HDPE products worldwide. Glass fiber composites and bamboo powder are currently being produced as part of a green technology research initiative. Furthermore, these materials are inexpensive, low-density, highly specialized, and environmentally friendly. The matrix for this experiment was made from high-density polyethylene mixed with glass fiber and bamboo powder. Compression molding was applied to each sample. The mechanical characteristics of the samples were examined and described after pretreatment. The mass ratios of glass fiber, bamboo powder, and polymers were all considered while making the specimens. According to the findings of flexural and compressive testing, the use of glass fiber and bamboo powder improves the mechanical properties. The results suggest that BP/GF/HDPE polymer composites could have applications in the construction industry for stress-bearing sheets, films, and pipes.
This study explores how new seed-dropping techniques are enabling drone technology to revolutionize large-scale reforestation and precision farming. It examines the integration of drones with specially designed seed-dispensing mechanisms to automate and optimize the seed dispersion process for improved efficiency. A novel approach is presented, using biodegradable coconut coir as a seed coating material to enhance germination success and seedling development. The coir retains moisture, protects seeds against pests, and decomposes to enrich the soil with nutrients. By utilizing GPS and real-time navigation systems, drones can target seed dispersal in remote and rugged terrains, reducing the labor, time, and costs associated with traditional planting methods. Field trials demonstrate the ecological and economic potential of this system, offering a scalable and eco-friendly solution for reforestation and sustainable agriculture.
