The bearing monitoring and improvement of bearings life in a horizontal milling machine
Development and Optimization of an Herbal Tablet Manufacturing Machine for Zumbani Traditional Medicine in Zimbabwe: A Case Study
Development of Arc Welding defects for (NDT) Certification in Zimbabwe using Design of Experiments
A Comparative Review of Pneumatic Cylinders and Magnetic Actuators in the Design of Automatic Pouch Cell Folding Machines: Implications for Zimbabwe’s Battery Manufacturing Industry
Evaluation of Aerodynamics and Pressure Gradient Distribution Around a Moving Vehicle
Design of Oil-Ammonia Separator for Refrigeration Systems
A Review on Mechanical and Tribological Characteristics of Hybrid Composites
Progressive Development of Various Production and Refining Process of Biodiesel
Design and Experimental Investigation of a Natural Draft Improved Biomass Cookstove
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
Designing and developing furniture and equipment in educational institutions is essential for creating optimal learning environments that meet students' ergonomic, functional, and educational needs. Implementing import substitution industrialization in schools, universities, colleges, growth points, and resettlement areas can revitalize Zimbabwe's economy, aiding its transition to a middle-income status. This can be achieved by establishing mechanical workshops in these areas to produce basic school furniture. Collaborations between these workshops and educational institutions can lead to cost-effective production, reducing reliance on imports from major cities and towns. Such partnerships also promote innovation and business incubation through knowledge and technology exchange, supporting the implementation of Education 5.0 across all centers, colleges, and universities. This study employs a participatory approach, involving students and staff in workshops to design and develop innovative, sustainable furniture. The experimental methodology includes collaborative brainstorming sessions, prototyping, and feedback loops conducted within an educational setting to assess the practicality and functionality of various designs. The participatory workshop approach serves as a model for future initiatives in educational product design and manufacturing. Import substitution industrialization, particularly at universities, colleges, growth points, and resettlement areas, offers a promising pathway to elevate Zimbabwe's economic status. By establishing mechanical workshops and fostering collaborations between startups and educational institutions, local manufacturing of essential goods like school furniture can be stimulated. This approach not only reduces reliance on imports but also promotes innovation, technology transfer, and the adoption of industry 5.0 principles, ultimately contributing to a more self-sufficient and prosperous Zimbabwe.
As the global population continues to grow, meeting the increasing demand for energy has become a significant challenge. This necessitates the adoption of renewable energy technologies to ensure a sustainable energy supply and production. Renewable energy sources are not only secure but also have a significantly lower environmental impact compared to conventional energy sources. In this study, a hydraulically operated briquette machine was designed, fabricated, and tested using locally available materials to convert agricultural waste into briquettes. The machine processes agricultural biomass waste materials such as sawdust, leaves, roots, fruit peels, seed or nut shells, groundnut husks, and other crop residues into briquettes capable of generating heat energy for both domestic and industrial applications. The primary components of the machine include the hydraulic jack, frame, pistons, and compression cylinders. Testing results showed that specific binder concentration ratios combined with sawdust produced the most compacted briquettes. The compaction chamber consists of multiple cylinders, each equipped with a piston and an ejector. The machine is capable of producing square briquettes of uniform size. The mass and density of the briquettes vary depending on the binding agent used. The compaction pressure and force were determined, ensuring optimal briquette formation. Additionally, various experiments were conducted to analyze the calorific value, compressive strength, moisture content, and ash content of the briquettes. The results indicated that higher binder content contributed to improved briquette performance.
This study explores the development of representative arc welding defects for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) certification programs in Zimbabwe, employing Design of Experiments (DoE) methodologies to optimize defect creation and detection. Recognizing that welding defects can compromise product quality and impact business performance, this work addresses the need for skilled NDT personnel capable of identifying and characterizing various weld imperfections. Traditional NDT training in Zimbabwe lacks access to realistic weld defects, hindering the development of practical skills essential for effective quality control. This study aims to bridge this gap by systematically creating and characterizing common arc welding defects such as porosity, cracks, lack of fusion, and slag inclusions using controlled welding parameters and DoE techniques. Collaborative efforts with local industries and educational institutions support the development of a comprehensive set of representative weld defect samples. These samples are intended to enhance NDT training programs, aligning them with industry needs and international standards. Methodologically, this study integrates experimental welding, non-destructive testing, and statistical analysis. DoE is used to optimize welding parameters for creating specific defect types, while various NDT methods such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and magnetic particle inspection characterize and quantify the resulting defects. The effectiveness of these defects for training purposes is evaluated through surveys and practical assessments involving NDT trainees and certified inspectors. Expected outcomes include a well-characterized set of arc welding defect samples, optimized NDT procedures for defect detection, and recommendations for integrating these resources into NDT certification programs in Zimbabwe. By promoting practical, hands-on training, this investigation aims to contribute to workforce development and enhance the reliability of welding processes in Zimbabwe's industrial sector.
There is widespread use of diesel and fossil fuels worldwide. In India, the increasing population and growing dependence on fossil fuels have led to a rise in their consumption, resulting in global warming and environmental pollution. Therefore, there is a need for an alternative solution. Biodiesel presents a promising substitute, as it helps reduce environmental contaminants. It is derived from edible and non-edible oils, as well as their blends. The extracted raw oil undergoes processing through transesterification, a process influenced by various parameters such as the type of catalyst used, the molar ratio of alcohol to oil, the type of alcohol, reaction temperature, and duration. This paper aims to review recent advancements and studies on biodiesel production in recent years, focusing on the use of various edible and non-edible oils to investigate emission, combustion, and engine parameters. The study highlights the advantages of biodiesel in reducing emissions and pollution, while addressing the potential of non-edible oils to avoid food-versus-fuel conflicts and reduce costs. The review also examines the fatty acid content, physical properties, and production yields of different oils, providing a comprehensive analysis of their suitability for biodiesel production.
Friction and wear significantly influence automotive engine performance and efficiency, leading to substantial fuel power loss across various engine components. Among these, the frictional losses between the piston ring and cylinder liner assembly contribute notably to overall inefficiencies. To address this issue, thin-film coating techniques have emerged as a promising solution for enhancing the mechanical and tribological properties of engine components. This paper reviews various wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and antifriction coatings, including carbon-based coatings, nitride coatings, carbide coatings, oxide coatings, and composite coatings formed by intermixing different coating materials or layering them in multilayer structures. The effects of altering the elemental composition of these coatings are also discussed. Additionally, the synergistic impact of combining surface texturing with coatings on piston rings is explored. Finally, recent advancements and potential future directions for coating technologies in automotive applications are highlighted.
