School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

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Browsing School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering by Subject "3D printing"

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    Adoption of Additive Manufacturing for Auto Parts Production: Case of Bishoftu Automotive and Manufacturing Industry
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-10) Sultan Asefa; Ameha Mulugeta (PhD)
    This study investigates the adoption of additive manufacturing in the Bishoftu Automotive Industry in Ethiopia. The study applies an integrated framework of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) and Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE). This study also used combined data from primary and secondary sources using quantitative and qualitative methodologies to allow for the exploration of the factors and constraints influencing the decision to adopt additive manufacturing. Additionally, the research undertakes a thorough literature analysis of Adoption theories such as DOI, TOE, and factors affecting additive manufacturing adoption. Five point Likert scale was the method used to collect the useful information for this study. The questionnaire was distributed to managers, engineers, and technicians in the Bishoftu Automotive and Manufacturing Industry. Subsequently, the collected data was subjected to analysis through the application of descriptive statistics and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) utilizing SPSS version 27 and SmartPLS version 4.0.9.6 software. The study outcomes revealed that several critical determinants significantly impact the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) in the automotive sector. These determinants encompass relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, observability, technology-related factors, and organizational as well as environmental factors The results of this study enhance our understanding of the adoption of additive manufacturing and provide valuable practical guidance for decision-makers within the Bishoftu Automotive Industry. Drawing from these findings, recommendations have been formulated to facilitate the effective integration of AM in the automotive sector. Additionally, this study identifies potential areas for future research in this field.
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    Cost-of-energy Optimization of 3D Printed Small-scale Wind Turbine Blades
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-06) Abraham Kassahun; Wondwossen Bogale (PhD)
    Human-induced climate change is an urgent challenge that necessitates the adoption of renewable energy sources. Wind energy conversion proves to be a promising option, with the horizontal axis wind turbines being identified as the most efficient and mature technology. While large turbines have been widely explored, there is a need for small-scale power solutions – notably in Ethiopia given its low electrification rate. The optimization of wind turbines is a well researched topic, but cost-of-energy optimization has been a challenge due to the difficulty in modeling the cost of traditional wind turbine manufacturing techniques. This research explores the use of 3D printing cost models to optimize energy costs in small-scale wind turbine blades. The cost involved in 3d printing a small wind turbine blade are explored. The cost of each activity in the process is modeled and a total cost estimate is stipulated. A linear relationship was found between the volume of the blade and the turbine cost. This relationship was used in the cost-of-energy optimization of the blade. A python code utilizing a genetic algorithm and a blade element momentum analysis model is written and utilized to obtain a cost-of-energy optimized design. The design variables chosen for optimization are the design wind speed, the tip-speed ratio and the airfoils used. The wind distribution was taken to be that of Addis Ababa. The results indicate the great potential of direct cost-of-energy optimization. A cost of energy of 0.67 $/KWh is obtained for the design which is better than the Skystream 3.7 wind turbine for our location. Sensitivity analysis is also performed by varying the design variables. The objective was found to be much more sensitive to the tip-speed ratio than the design wind speed.