Abstract

Background:
Researchers and designers often face difficulties in understanding the complex relationships among maize sheller parameters, which limits effective design and performance evaluation.

Aim:
This study aims to model shelling capacity and fuel consumption of a conveyor-type maize sheller using dimensional analysis and the Buckingham Pi theorem.

Methods:
The model was developed based on the fundamental dimensions of time (T), mass (M), and length (L). Key variables included rasp bar length (Nl), drum length (Dl), drum speed (S), bulk density (ρ), concave clearance (Cc), feed rate (Fr), moisture content (Mc), straw ratio (Sr), drum diameter (D), conveyor speed (Cs), and conveyor length (Cl). These were expressed in dimensionless groups to construct predictive equations.

Results:
The resulting equations express shelling capacity (C) and fuel consumption (Fc) as functions of the dimensionless groups. The developed model for shelling capacity (C) equals Shelling capacity (C) = Dl^2 S ρ(f/(〖D1〗^2 S), Cc/D1, Fr/(〖D1〗^2 Sρ), (D/D1 Cs/D1 CL/D1, (MC * Sr)) and fuel consumption (Fc) equal to Fuel consumption (Fc) = Dl^2 S (f/(〖D1〗^2 S), Cc/D1, Fr/(〖D1〗^2 Sρ), (D/DL Cs/DL CL/DLL, (MC * Sr)).

Conclusion:
These models provide a practical framework for analyzing and optimizing sheller performance. The developed model offers an effective means of understanding parameter relationships during the design and performance evaluation of a conveyor-type maize sheller. By applying dimensional analysis, it enables clear identification of parameter interactions, simplifying analysis, interpretation, and optimization of both design processes and functional performance.

Key words: Buckingham Pi theorem; Dimensional analysis; Sheller.