Ibrahim Akinci

Rapid prototyping and flow simulation applications in design of agricultural irrigation equipment: Case study for a sample in-line drip emitter

In this study, a 3D CAD solid model of a sample agricultural irrigation emitter was created and the flow behaviour was simulated in its labyrinth channels by using a flow simulation technique. Referenced by the original design, the channel geometry was modified and the emitter was re-fabricated using rapid prototyping/additive manufacturing techniques. The flow behaviour is then re-investigated based on the re-shaped channel geometry of the labyrinth structure. The predetermined optimum pressure in the pipe was validated experimentally for both the original design and modified designs. As a result, the optimum pressure in the pipe and the flow characteristics for original both the design and modified designs of the emitter were validated. This study contributes to further research into the development of agricultural irrigation equipment aided through the utilisation of additive manufacturing and computer aided engineering tools.

Design for Manufacture Using Functional Analysis and CAD Mould Simulation for Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling

The pressure of time, quality and cost, together with increasing product variety, more customised products and worldwide competition is driving technology development and implementation in the area of Rapid Manufacturing (RM). Traditionally, the manufacture of tooling for both prototype parts and production components represents one of the longest and most costly phases in the development of most new products. The cost and time implications of the tooling process are particularly problematic for low-volume products aimed at niche markets, or alternatively for rapidly changing high-volume products. Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Rapid Tooling (RT) have the potential to dramatically shorten the time required to produce functional prototypes or products. Functional Analysis (FA) plays a key role in the design process of the actual tools, allowing for innovative solutions that can be achieved with RP and RT. This paper presents a FA methodology to design for manufacture (DFM) based on RP- and RT-specific characteristics, aimed at improving process efficiency, streamline energy consumption, use of volume material, usage of structural innovative lightweight materials, decrease overall costs and improve product quality. Design for Rapid Manufacturing (DFRM) allows for geometric freedom, leading to changes of the overall design process, thus enhancing the FA process. FA begins with stating the need, in a DFRM case that translates into diagnosis, the determination of the manufacturability of the present product and comparison with similar products on the market. Setting objectives, in terms of production costs, quality, flexibility, risk, lead-time, efficiency, and environment are other milestones in FA. Actual function definition involves defining the main functions of the product and their interactions. Clarifying the evaluation parameters, setting criteria levels and technical dimensioning is done for each of the main product functions. The conceptual design process then follows a top-down sequence: corporate, family, structural and component levels. Evaluation and selection of the optimal concept resulting from the FA consists of assessing the manufacturability of the proposed concepts in terms of the DFM objectives. The selected best fit concept is translated to design in the last stage, when the chosen concept is communicated to the development team. The detailed design is carried out in parallel to marketing and product development. Targeted FA is shown to enable generation of innovative solutions, while improving manufacturability. The present research stands as a starting point in the development of product design methodologies that use RP and RT applications for manufacturing physical products.

Selected Properties of Sesame as a Function of Varieties and Moisture Contents

Knowledge of the physical properties of sesame (Sesamun indicum L.) is necessary for the design of equipment for harvesting, transporting, sorting, cleaning, separating, crushing, extracting, and processing it for use in different food products. In this study, the effects of different moisture contents on the physical properties of two sesame mutants, cc6 and cc7, were investigated at three (8.1, 12.3, and 15.8% w.b) moisture contents. At moisture contents from 8.1 to 15.8% w.b., the length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter of the cc6 sesame mutants varied from 21.00 to 23.80 mm, 6.54 to 7.99 mm, 5.2 to 6.00 mm, and 8.89 to 10.45 mm, respectively. In the cc7 sesame mutants, the length, width, thickness, and geometric mean diameter were found to be 22.17 to 24.78 mm, 7.12 to 7.80 mm, 5.15 to 6.30 mm, and 9.33 to 10.83 mm, respectively, within the same moisture range. Increased moisture content of the sesame mutants capsules resulted in their terminal velocity increasing from 4.72 to 5.27 m/s. The static and dynamic coefficients of friction were measured at the different moisture contents on three different surfaces, and results varied between 0.446–0.528 and 0.436–0.498, respectively, for the two mutants. The rupture force of the sesame capsules was measured in the horizontal and vertical planes. All rupture forces decreased with increased moisture content of the shell. However, the rupture force of capsules increased above 12.3% w.b moisture content. Analysis of variance was carried out on two closed capsule sesame varieties, and differences between the mean values were investigated by Duncans test.

KBS-selection of universal joint used in agricultural machinery

Abstract In this study, a knowledge-based system was developed to a id in selection of universal joint, which is used in agricultural machinery (KBS_UJ). In selection of the universal joints, it is very important to choose the suitable mechanism for the agricultural machinery, which is going to be used. A main programme was written by using the AutoLISP and DCL languages. According to the Turkish Standards in different categories, maximum torque and maximum power, critical revolution number and power capacities of various tube profiles, joint open length depending on the tube profile type, joint closed dimensions and joint tube dimensions were determined and selected joint was drawn in 2D. The system was tested on joint producer in order to validate the decision obtained. The system can be helpful to producer, farmer or safety working