Conceptual design of a sago drying machine and structural simulation using finite element analysis

The increasing demand for sago flour indicates the need to enhance its production. The objective of this research is to propose a new design of a sago drying machine and conduct a finite element analysis (FEA) simulation on its structure. The sago drying machine was developed based on a tray-mixer concept. Mathematical modelling and simulation analysis were conducted on three critical parts; the tray, support plate and mixer. The maximum stress for the tray bending was 6.51 MPa with manual calculation and 7.37 MPa with simulation analysis. The tray-bending deflection was 0.52 mm with manual calculation and 0.53 mm with simulation analysis. For support plate bending, the maximum stress was 17.33 MPa with manual calculation and 12.87 MPa with simulation analysis. The deflection for support plate bending was 1.06 mm with manual calculation and 1.04 mm with simulation analysis. Lastly, the maximum stress acting on the mixer was 1.09 MPa and maximum deflection was 0.0035 mm. The error between mathematical calculation and FEA simulation was based on different assumptions on the model and limitation of dimensions covered, for example, the 2D and 3D views. Data from this research could be used to improve the structural design of a new sago drying machine.