Engineering Graphics and Computer-Aided Engineering Applied to the Design and Analysis of Machinery, Engines and Technological Devices in Agriculture

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 26048

Special Issue Editor


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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study on the design of machinery or technology in general, in the field of agriculture, both in the production process and in the treatment of the final product, is becoming increasingly important. This Special Issue focuses its attention on the use of engineering graphics techniques and engineering analysis in the design and construction of machinery, engines, and technological devices involved in the production process. The case studies are very broad and can cover various engineering disciplines such as agroforestry engineering, construction engineering, project engineering, mechanical engineering, and automation and robotic engineering or architecture, among others.
In particular, research on the development of machinery, engines, and technological devices, as well as historical inventions, both from an engineering and architectural point of view, in the olive, cereal, and grape sectors are welcome. This Special Issue invites researchers to submit original research papers and review articles related to any discipline in which theoretical or practical issues of engineering graphics and computer-aided engineering are considered. Topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:

Engineering graphics;
Computer-aided design;
Geometric modeling;
Computer animation;
Virtual reality;
Augmented reality;
Multimedia;
3D printing applications;
Computer-aided engineering;
Industrial heritage;
Industrial architecture;
Ancient artifacts (historical inventions).


Prof. Dr. José Ignacio Rojas Sola
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1385 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Evaluation of a Cabbage Harvester Prototype
by Mohamed Ibrahim El Didamony and Ahmed Mohamed El Shal
Agriculture 2020, 10(12), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10120631 - 14 Dec 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5805
Abstract
A cabbage harvester prototype was fabricated and tested to save time, cost, and labor for harvesting. This harvester was designed for harvesting operations to drive the prototype and control the harvester. The single-row prototype harvesting meets the functional requirements of the physical properties [...] Read more.
A cabbage harvester prototype was fabricated and tested to save time, cost, and labor for harvesting. This harvester was designed for harvesting operations to drive the prototype and control the harvester. The single-row prototype harvesting meets the functional requirements of the physical properties of the Egyptian cabbage. The performance of the harvester prototype was evaluated on two shapes of cutter disc, four cutter disc speeds, and four cutter disc angles; these parameters were assessed at 88% moisture content of the cabbage head and average forward speed of 1.5 km/h. The results demonstrated that the serrated edge cutter discs and 900 rpm disc speed produced actual productivity of 12.56 ton/h, 2.28 kW power requirements, 0.18 kW h/ton specific energy requirement, and of 3.66 $/h operating cost. It turns out that the harvester did not do major harm to the cabbage and less than 4% damage. Operating the harvester at the optimum parameters saves cost and time compared with manual harvesting. Full article
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25 pages, 16635 KiB  
Article
The Tower Press for Obtaining Olive Oil: Analysis through Computer-Aided Engineering
by José Ignacio Rojas-Sola, Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente, Manuel Jesús Hermoso-Orzáez and David Hernández-Díaz
Agriculture 2020, 10(11), 554; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10110554 - 19 Nov 2020
Viewed by 2921
Abstract
This article analyzes a large tower press used to press crushed olives to obtain olive oil. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element [...] Read more.
This article analyzes a large tower press used to press crushed olives to obtain olive oil. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method (FEM) of the 3D model of the press under real operating conditions. The tower press has been analyzed in two limit positions: in the rest position, supported on two pillars, and the pressing position, supported on the set of filter discs (basket load) called ‘cargo de capachos’ that contained the previously ground olives. In the first position, static analysis revealed that the maximum von Mises stress was 22.7 MPa, located on the axle of the roller, but this is far from the elastic limit. Moreover, the lowest safety coefficient is 11.16, produced in the contact between the tower and the right pillar and well above the optimal range between 2 and 4. On the other hand, it hardly presents equivalent displacements or deformations that would endanger the operation of the set. The greatest displacement would be in the wooden guide (0.123 mm) and a deformation of 0.027% with respect to its length. These values confirm that, in this position, the tower press was clearly oversized. However, the results obtained regarding the second position are not entirely conclusive. Although the values of the displacements and the equivalent deformations are low, with results similar to those obtained in the first position, with a maximum displacement of 0.1315 mm located in the horizontal beam of the support structure and a maximum equivalent deformation of value 0.385%, located in the contact between the screw and the nut, the same does not happen with the von Mises stress. The software did not obtain a convergent result due to the frustoconical geometry of the bolt that joins the screw and nut, adopting a maximum value of 508.3 MPa. For this point, the safety coefficient is 1.49, which reveals a sizing problem with the proposed solution of resizing the screw thread, giving it more robustness. The rest of the elements work with a safety coefficient above 4.33 so they are also clearly oversized, according to current criteria. Full article
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23 pages, 10745 KiB  
Article
Design and Analysis of an Automatic Shell Cracking Machine of Metohuayo (“Caryodendron orinocense Karst”) with a Capacity of 50 kg/h
by Carlos Gianpaul Rincón Ruiz, Marco Antonio Tejada Cardeña and Juan José Jiménez de Cisneros Fonfría
Agriculture 2020, 10(11), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10110537 - 9 Nov 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5563
Abstract
This article presents the design and analysis of an automatic shell broken machine of seeds of Metohuayo (“Caryodendron orinocense Karst”) with a production capacity of 50 kg/h, considering manufacturing and maintenance of local facilities. Metohuayo is the fruit of a tree that [...] Read more.
This article presents the design and analysis of an automatic shell broken machine of seeds of Metohuayo (“Caryodendron orinocense Karst”) with a production capacity of 50 kg/h, considering manufacturing and maintenance of local facilities. Metohuayo is the fruit of a tree that grows in various jungle areas of Perú, and the Metohuayo oil is very requested because of its nutritional properties. Starting with these specifications, the design was developed according to the systematic approach established by the VDI-2221 standard, with seven basic steps to analyze the optimum design. Once the definitive project was reached and the commercial components were selected, finite element simulations were performed to analyze the strength of the shell broken system and to evaluate the strength and the dynamic response of the structural support of the machine components. Additionally, complementary experimental studies were performed, such as the analysis of the required force to break the shell or the measurement of their dimensions. Full article
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18 pages, 6902 KiB  
Article
Parameterisation and Optimisation of a Hand-Rake Sweeper: Application in Olive Picking
by Rafael E. Hidalgo Fernández, Pilar Carranza-Cañadas, Francisco J. García-Salcedo and Paula Triviño-Tarradas
Agriculture 2020, 10(9), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10090379 - 28 Aug 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3359
Abstract
Olive picking is one of the most common social agricultural activities in many regions of Andalusia where the predominant crop is the traditional olive grove. The machinery used includes shakers, blowers and essential, low-cost hand-rake sweepers. The latter are generally used by the [...] Read more.
Olive picking is one of the most common social agricultural activities in many regions of Andalusia where the predominant crop is the traditional olive grove. The machinery used includes shakers, blowers and essential, low-cost hand-rake sweepers. The latter are generally used by the women of the squads to sweep the olives that fall from the trees. This article is focused on the design and optimisation of a hand-rake sweeper, in terms of durability and cost, for the picking of olives and other fruits, such as almonds, which are currently the main alternative to nonperennial crops in Andalusia. A parametric design of a hand-rake sweeper was created for this application using the design software CATIA, and its most vulnerable points were analysed in terms of effectiveness with varying design parameters, conducting usage simulations with ANSYS for a light material such as polypropylene. The maximum von Mises stress of the whole structure was 155.81 MPa. Using ANSYS, the dimension parameters of the hand-rake sweeper structure were optimised. The modified design was analysed again, showing a reduction of maximum tensions of 10.06%, as well as a decrease in its maximum elongations (0.0181 mm). Full article
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23 pages, 13981 KiB  
Article
Industrial Archaeology Applied to the Study of an Ancient Harvesting Machine: Three-Dimensional Modelling and Virtual Reconstruction
by José Ignacio Rojas-Sola, Gloria del Río-Cidoncha and Ángel Coronil-García
Agriculture 2020, 10(8), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10080322 - 2 Aug 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3029
Abstract
This article shows the three-dimensional (3D) modelling and virtual reconstruction of an ancient harvesting machine developed at the beginning of the 19th century. SolidWorks software is employed to obtain the 3D model of this historical invention and its geometric documentation. The original material [...] Read more.
This article shows the three-dimensional (3D) modelling and virtual reconstruction of an ancient harvesting machine developed at the beginning of the 19th century. SolidWorks software is employed to obtain the 3D model of this historical invention and its geometric documentation. The original material for the research is available on a farm located in the province of Cádiz (Spain). Thanks to the three-dimensional modelling performed, both its operation and the final assembly of this invention can be explained in detail in a coherent way. Having carried out the functional analysis, it can be verified that the machine combines well-performed chain-sprocket transmissions, which, together with complex gearboxes with parallel and bevel gears, make this reaper a very reliable machine. Furthermore, the inclusion of elements such as gimbal joints on shafts with possible misalignments, and clutches to adapt the operation of the machine to the needs of the operator, makes it highly versatile and functional without over-exerting the mechanics. From a technical point of view, the complex transmission systems, the perfect synchronization achieved between all its parts, and the combination of continuous oscillatory movements, such as that of sheaf compactors with intermittent movements as complex as that of the knotting system, are all worthy of note, and reveal the great work of engineering involved in this historical invention. Full article
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24 pages, 16596 KiB  
Article
The Conical Stones Olive Oil Mill: Analysis through Computer-Aided Engineering
by José Ignacio Rojas-Sola and Eduardo De la Morena-De la Fuente
Agriculture 2020, 10(7), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture10070255 - 1 Jul 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3905
Abstract
This article analyzes an olive oil mill formed of four conical stones used in the milling of the olive. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis [...] Read more.
This article analyzes an olive oil mill formed of four conical stones used in the milling of the olive. To this end, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) was carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite-element method (FEM) of the three-dimensional (3D) model of the mill under real operating conditions. The results obtained revealed that the conical stones mill was a very robust machine. When studying the assembly in the most unfavorable situation (blockage of one of its millstones), we observed that the element with the highest von Mises stress was the bearing nut, reaching a value of 263.9 MPa, which was far from the elastic limit of cast iron (758 MPa). On the other hand, the machine hardly presented any equivalent deformations or displacements that could jeopardize the operation as a whole. The maximum displacement obtained was 2.494 mm in the inertia flywheel, and the equivalent deformations did not reach 0.1% of the part dimension. Similarly, the element with the lowest safety coefficient (2.87) was the same bearing nut with the highest von Mises stress, although the next element with the second lowest safety coefficient had a value of 8.69, which showed that the set was clearly oversized. These results demonstrate the convenience of redesigning the set in order to resize some of its elements, and that they could have lower safety coefficients of between 2 and 4. After an initial analysis, the resizable elements would fundamentally be those related to the movement transmission system and the frame structure. Full article
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