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
This review paper focuses on the effects of operating parameters such as temperature, load, and vibrations on the life of bearings in horizontal milling machines. Bearings are critical components that facilitate smooth rotational motion, and their performance directly affects the efficiency and precision of milling operations. This paper discusses the methodologies employed to analyze bearing monitoring, presents findings related to various influencing factors, and emphasizes the importance of tribological properties in maintaining bearing integrity.
Traditional medicine is a cornerstone of healthcare in Zimbabwe, where herbal remedies are widely utilized for various ailments. Among these remedies, Zumbani (Lippia javanica) stands out due to its extensive medicinal properties, which include treatment for respiratory issues, fever, and digestive disorders. Traditionally consumed as a tea or infusion, Zumbani has been integral to local health practices. However, the quality and consistency of herbal remedies like Zumbani can vary significantly, posing substantial risks to patient safety and health outcomes. This variability is largely attributed to the lack of standardized manufacturing processes and quality control measures within the traditional medicine sector. To develop and optimize a specialized manufacturing machine that enhances the efficiency, consistency, and quality of Zumbani (Lippia Javanica) herbal tablets, thereby supporting the growth of the local herbal medicine industry. The proposed machine will address the pressing need for quality and consistency in traditional medicine while facilitating easier consumption. By utilizing locally available herbs and materials, the machine promotes sustainability and reduces reliance on imported products. The research will evaluate the effectiveness of the machine in producing tablets that meet pharmacopoeial standards, ensuring that they are safe and effective for consumer use. Additionally, this study will assess the cost-effectiveness and scalability of the manufacturing process, aiming to enhance access to traditional medicine across Zimbabwe. The successful implementation of this project has the potential to significantly improve healthcare outcomes by providing reliable herbal products that meet consumer needs. Ultimately, this research contributes to Zimbabwe's healthcare development goals by fostering innovation in traditional medicine production and enhancing public health through improved access to quality herbal remedies.
This thesis 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 research addresses the need for skilled NDT personnel capable of identifying and characterizing a range of weld imperfections. Traditional NDT training in Zimbabwe often lacks access to realistic weld defects, hindering the development of practical skills necessary 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. The research involves collaborative efforts with local industries and educational institutions, facilitating 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 combines experimental welding, non-destructive testing, and statistical analysis. DoE is employed to optimize welding parameters for creating specific defect types, while various NDT methods (e.g., ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, magnetic particle inspection)1 are used to 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 thesis aims to contribute to workforce development and enhance the reliability of welding processes in Zimbabwe's industrial sector.
The global shift toward renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) has increased the demand for lithium-ion batteries, particularly pouch cells. Automatic pouch cell folding machines are essential for ensuring the precision and efficiency of battery manufacturing. In Zimbabwe, where the mining of lithium—a key raw material for batteries—is expanding, the development of a local battery manufacturing industry presents a significant economic opportunity. This review paper compares two key actuation technologies, pneumatic cylinders and magnetic actuators, in the context of designing automatic pouch cell folding machines. The analysis considers factors such as performance, energy efficiency, precision, maintenance, and cost, with a focus on their applicability to Zimbabwe’s industrial and economic landscape. The paper concludes with recommendations for adopting the most suitable technology to support Zimbabwe’s emerging battery manufacturing sector.
Electric vehicles are on the verge of dominating the market due to their sustainability however, they are required to yield superior performance with long driving range, high stability, and overall cost. Further developments and optimizations are being applied to increase the performance parameters such as maximum acceleration, velocity, and driving range thereby taking advantage of the dynamic airflow energy. This study focusses on the analyses of the air pressure, velocity and force distribution of a moving car at high speeds thereby highlighting the possibility to tap into the potential energy to charge the vehicle battery. The front region of the vehicle is found to be exposed to the highest air pressure and velocity change translating to the loss of energy into other energy forms. Pressure drag is found to be a function of the pressure difference between the front and the back if a moving vehicle. Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation techniques was used on a CAD model observing the areas of high and low pressure. Simulation results were coherent with the mathematical model results thereby validating this work. Solidworks flow analysis was used for the analysis of the meshed geometry and revealed how force, pressure distribution, and velocity fields for various car speeds.
