Finite element analysis of a coconut (Cocos nucifera l.) climbing mechanism
Issue Date
6-2023
Abstract
A coconut climber mechanism was subjected to Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to improve its overall design and analyze its strength characteristics. The von Mises stress, total deformation, and factor of safety were evaluated using static structural analysis for the seat and pedal assemblies of the mechanism. The design has a minimum yielding factor of safety of 7.03 for the seat assembly and 12.09 for the pedal assembly. If aluminum is used as an alternative to steel, the prototype's weight can be reduced to at least 64.56% without compromising its strength properties. The weight reduction by using aluminum is expected to reduce the effort required to use the improved designs. This study also demonstrated a robust methodology of exploring design alternatives without fabricating actual prototypes, leading to a more cost-effective design process. It is recommended that other topologies and materials be further explored to improve the design of the coconut climber mechanism.
Source or Periodical Title
Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The (Formerly: The Philippine Agriculturist)
ISSN
0031-7454
Volume
106
Issue
2
Page
175-185
Document Type
Article
College
College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)
Frequency
quarterly
Physical Description
illustrations ; chart ; tables ; references
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Afan, Arjay O.; Zubia, Omar F.; Borja, Adrian A.; and Gallegos, Ralph Kristoffer B., "Finite element analysis of a coconut (Cocos nucifera l.) climbing mechanism" (2023). Journal Article. 5984.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/journal-articles/5984
En – AGROVOC descriptors
COCONUTS; COCOS NUCIFERA; ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS; CLIMBERS; STRENGTH; FARM EQUIPMENT; ALUMINUM; AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING; EQUIPMENT PERFORMANCE; MANUAL HARVESTING; MECHANICAL HARVESTING