Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering Commons^™

Discrete Element Modelling Of The Abrasive Dehulling Process Of Sorghum And Millet, E. L. Lazaro

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The abrasive dehulling process of sorghum and millet was modelled using a three-dimensional discrete element model. The model was validated by comparison between experimental and simulation results. Good correlation between experimental and simulation results was obtained. Several numerical experiments were also carried out using the developed model to investigate the influence of mill and grain parameters on dehulling of sorghum and millet. The simulated results correlated well with experimental results from literature. The developed model therefore provides a simple and cheap tool, which can be used to study the dehulling process in more detail than, is currently possible using the …

Effect Of Moisture And Loading Orientation On The Mechanical Properties Of Sorghum And Millet, E. L. Lazaro

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Uniaxial compression properties of sorghum and millet grain at different moisture contents (12–25% dry basis) and at different kernel orientation were investigated. These included: modulus of deformability, maximum compressive force, deformation and toughness at grain break point. Individual grain kernels of two varieties of sorghum, (Dionje and Jumbo) and one variety of pearl millet, (IM) at 12, 15, 20, and 25% moisture content dry basis (mc.db), were quasi-statically loaded using a J.J.universal tensile testing machine to their breaking point. The modulus of deformability, maximum compressive force required to initiate grain rupture and the grain toughness (energy absorbed at break point …

Properties Of Rice Husk Particle Boards Bonded By A Blend Of Tannin-Cnsl Resin, J. V. Tesha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

There are vast quantities of agricultural residues available in Tanzania. Rice husk being amongst those residues is reported to have low resistance to alkalis, high silica content, and have short fibres. These factors have made rice husks not attractive raw materials in panels’ production. However, it has been demonstrated that rice husks can be used to develop panel products of low cost and good performance if appropriate indigenous technologies and affordable binders that can bind siliceous materials are used.

This paper provides a summary on the study of the effectiveness of the binding characteristics of a blend of natural adhesive …

Investigation Of Forces Acting On Plain Discs, S. M. Mpanduji

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

An investigation was carried out to study the mutually perpendicular forces generated by rotating and non-rotating plain discs similar to those used in disc ploughs. Experiments were conducted in a soil bin containing sand loam soil (Ryton sand) where forces were measured while changing disc rake and sweep angles. The results showed that draught forces were higher for non-rotating discs, while vertical and lateral forces were lower compared to rotating discs. Rotating discs were found to be suitable for counteracting high side forces because of less draught and higher lateral forces. The recommended optimum angles are between 8°–12° for disc …

Comparison Of Repair Costs Of Two Wheel Drive Tractors Under Tanzania Conditions, S. M. Mpanduji

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The repair costs of 2WD tractors were investigated in order to provide important information, which lacks in the scope of agricultural mechanization in Tanzania. Previously repair cost functions established for tractors in developed countries were used for both theoretical and practical purposes. The findings of this study have revealed that repair costs of tractors vary substantially from one make to another. The prediction functions developed in this study indicated that the magnitudes of repair costs in Tanzania are higher than the repair costs established in Europe and North America. The reason for this could be either due to high cost …

Evaluation Of Soil Conservation Measures: A Case Study In Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania, S. Y. Thadei

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A study on soil conservation measures was conducted in two villages, Tukuzi and Mahenge, in Mbinga District, Ruvuma Region, Tanzania. The results showed that the ngoro farming system was effective in controlling soil erosion by water on both steep and gentle slopes. Sediments collected from ngoro had high concentrations of plant nutrients such as available phosphorus (P), total nitrogen (N), organic carbon (OC) and exchangeable bases. This was probably due to nutrients released from decomposed grass bundles buried in the soil. In preventing soil erosion, ngoro and bench terraces were equally effective, while contour ditches were as effective as ridges …

Application Of Vibrational Techniques In Determination Of Dynamic Properties Of Agricultural Products-State Of The Arton Of Vibrational Techniques In Determination Of Dynamic Properties Of Agricultural Products-State Of The Art, Silas Kajuna

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Vibration is one of the techniques employed in the determination of dynamic properties of fruits and vegetables. It entails generation of a mechanical or acoustic vibrational signal which is propagated through the flesh of the agricultural material. A transducer is either attached or held close to the specimen to monitor the propagation of the signal through the specimen. The manner in which the signal is transmitted through the material is analyzed, and the dynamic properties of the specimen which relate to its firmness or its internal being are derived. The technique has been around for the past 30 years or …

Ubungo Farm Implements Manufacturing Company, H.N. Kida

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Abstract