https://hdl.handle.net/10646/150 2026-04-10T08:29:46Z 2026-04-10T08:29:46Z Mushiri, Tawanda Shumba, Definite mbohwa, Charles https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3850 2025-12-14T01:15:50Z 2017-04-11T00:00:00Z

Title: Design of an electrically powered bending machine: case of Zimbabwe Authors: Mushiri, Tawanda; Shumba, Definite; mbohwa, Charles Abstract: This paper seeks to carry out design of a small scale electrically powered bending machine for a developing nation, case for Zimbabwe. The bending of metal is of great importance in the manufacture of products such as nut shelling machines and maize shelling machines. Currently being used at Company X engineering is a manual bending machine with a single operation hence this design will help to increase the number of metals being bent, an increase in the efficiency and production. The paper deals with manufacturing or bending of sheet metal by using power operated sheet bending machine. Especially discussion made the productivity analysis of manually or power operated sheet bending machine. Considering manual operation is replaced by power operated devices. It also gives information about limitation of manually operated sheet bending machine and power operated sheet bending machine. The existing machines are limited to a single operation. The aim of the research is to increase the number of bent parts and to place an adjustable table to suit the height of the user thereby reducing back pain internal injuries in the long run. The researchers visited the Company X to gather information concerning the problems faced by the employees. Material tests which are of great value were carried out and the use of software. A Plate Rolling Machine is a machine that will roll different kinds of metal sheet into a round or conical shape and a rod bending machine will roll or bend different kinds of metal sheet into right angles or circular shapes. The research aims at making it possible to do the operations on a single machine. We recommend the machine to be automated and the use of a servo motor to reduce human injuries at the workshop. Use of oils and maintenance is of great value to increase the life span of the machine

2017-04-11T00:00:00Z Mukucha, Kundayi, V. Hove, Tawanda Mushiri, Tawanda https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3567 2025-11-22T01:33:16Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sizing and economic analysis of a solar photovoltaic micro power system for Arundel Boarding house with or without net metering. Authors: Mukucha, Kundayi, V.; Hove, Tawanda; Mushiri, Tawanda Abstract: In this research, a hybrid solar photovoltaic micro power system that would improve the power supply reliability to desirable levels at the least possible cost was designed for Arundel Boarding House in Mount Pleasant experiencing drastic load shedding and yet accommodating University of Zimbabwe students. A solar powering system required to improve electricity supply reliability, was sized using a Microsoft Excel simulation model for a hybrid solar power system, designed using solar geometry and radiation relationships and also using dimensionless parameters. All the size variables where expressed as dimensionless parameters in order to generalize the system such that it would be useful to other places with the same economic conditions, solar radiation and load pattern. The program takes into account solar climatological data like solar radiation, ambient temperature and variability of the electrical load and then computes the energy, supply, reliability, LCOE as output. The reliability level was set and the combination that got the least LCOE was noted using the graphing method. Cost advantages of net metering (a billing mechanism that credits individuals who generate off-grid electricity for the electricity they add to the grid) were compared. The Excel model revealed that 5 of A/A0 (dimensionless parameter for array area) required supplying power of 15.46kW, 15.46kW inverter power and 76.81kWh of battery capacity for a daily demand load of 74.212kWh. In the project it was shown that with net metering the least LCOE resulted in 24.0c/kwh whereas without resulted in 29.1c/kWh and showed that the use of net metering can reduce significantly the cost of the power system. The Grid-tied photovoltaic powering system was found to be more cost efficient when utilizing the net metering strategy LCOE as 24c/kWh at a reliability of 99%. Hence the government should implement/legislate the net metering strategy to improve the reliability of supply of grid electricity. Description: Conference paper

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z Matora, Tinashe Shumba, Samson Mushiri, Tawanda Musiwa, Kudzie Taaka, Dakarai Mhizha, Stewart Tumbare, Michael James https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3566 2025-12-14T01:10:08Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Investigating structural cracks for infrastructure: Case study of anonymous hospital, in Zimbabwe Authors: Matora, Tinashe; Shumba, Samson; Mushiri, Tawanda; Musiwa, Kudzie; Taaka, Dakarai; Mhizha, Stewart; Tumbare, Michael James Abstract: The main objective of the research was to investigate the structural cracks for infrastructure at the anonymous Hospital in the place under study, in Zimbabwe and recommend the appropriate engineering solutions to the structural problems. The specific objectives involved conducting desk studies, geotechnical and materials investigations, investigating the structural designs for the existing infrastructure and producing the construction schedule. A reconnaissance survey was also conducted together with key informant interviews. Geotechnical tests included sieve analysis, shear strength tests, direct cone penetrometer test, chemical dispersive test and California bearing ratio test. Structural analysis and designs were also conducted to model the relevant solutions. Most of the crack widths exceeded the design limits so these are structural cracks. The soil in the vicinity of the site is classified as Clay of Intermediate Plasticity and Clay of Low Plasticity. The soil has adequate bearing capacity and the minimum foundation depth is 1.5 m for a bearing capacity of more than 100 kPa. It is concluded that the first cause of the cracks on some of the buildings were the use of weak construction material such as farm brick which would easily deform under a small load and the depth of the foundation was less than the minimum of 700 mm, which was also on weak soils. The mortar thickness was extensively huge resulting in hyaline horizontal cracks and the bearing capacity and factor of safety were inadequate resulting in foundation failure. The dispersive test also proved that the soils are sodic in nature. The bearing capacity of the soil in some areas is not adequate to carry the imposed loads. It is recommended to use reinforced strip foundations and deep foundations when constructing infrastructure at the site. Heavy duty concrete foundation underpinning is recommended for the existing buildings. The total cost for repairing the damaged infrastructure is valued at US$456 800. Description: Conference Paper

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z Chikuku, Tauyanashe Mushiri, Tawanda Mombeyarara, Panashe https://hdl.handle.net/10646/3565 2025-12-02T01:15:45Z 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Design of a manually operated paper recycling machine Authors: Chikuku, Tauyanashe; Mushiri, Tawanda; Mombeyarara, Panashe Abstract: Paper is used daily with learning institutions such as universities and schools being the main consumers. Due to its single usage it ends up being disposed hence most of the paper waste remains idle and unutilized although it is a valuable resource. Therefore, this paper explores the design of a cheap and efficient manually operated paper recycling machine. The design used integration of acquired knowledge on the recycling technology, existing manually operated and available paper recycling machines to form a cheap but efficient paper recycling machine. The benefits of the machine are not only centred on the merits of recycling paper but by the in-cooperation of the manually driving system which will also curb the high unemployment rates in developing countries. Due to the design being not 100% efficient due to the gear box, belt and chain transmission, the estimated efficiency is equal to 90% but using the 90% for design, the design power input is 450 watts and since an average person can produce 100 Watts constantly therefore 5 people are necessary to drive the machine. Description: Conference paper

2017-01-01T00:00:00Z