Design and Static Load Analysis of a Bagasse Granulator Machine Frame Using SolidWorks Software

Abstract

Agro-industrial waste from sugarcane (bagasse) is an abundant lignocellulosic material that has yet to be optimally utilized as ruminant feed due to its limited nutritional value and low bulk density. This study aims to design and analyze the structural frame of a bagasse granulator machine to enhance the efficiency of animal feed processing in remote areas. The research methodology encompasses a design process using SolidWorks 2022 software and a structural strength analysis employing the finite element method through static analysis. The machine frame was designed using ASTM A36 steel material with an L-shaped angle iron profile measuring 25 x 25 x 4 mm. The analysis was conducted by applying a total operational load of 2,155 Newtons, which includes the weight of the drum, shaft, blades, electric motor, and raw sugarcane bagasse. The computer simulation results indicate a maximum von Mises stress value of 64.80 MPa, which remains significantly below the material's yield strength of 250 MPa. The maximum displacement recorded was 0.520 mm. The safety factor obtained from the simulation was 3.7, while manual calculations yielded a substantially higher value of 335.57. This discrepancy was analyzed through error calculation to validate the design accuracy. Based on these results, the granulator machine frame structure is declared mechanically safe to support the planned operational loads.