Static Loading Simulation on the Frame of a Charcoal Briquette Press Machine

Abstract

Biomass and organic waste can be converted into briquettes as an alternative solid fuel, and reliable briquette production requires machine structures that can safely support the operating components and applied loads. This study evaluates the structural strength and safety of a charcoal briquette press machine frame under static loading and compares ASTM A36 Steel with Galvanized Steel to identify the more suitable frame material. The frame geometry was created in AutoCAD, assembled in SolidWorks, and evaluated using SolidWorks Simulation with fixed supports at the frame legs. A total component mass of 95 kilograms, equivalent to a gravitational load of 931.95 newtons, was distributed over eight planned support locations. Finite element meshing was then applied, and structural performance was evaluated using maximum Von Mises stress, displacement, and Factor of Safety. The simulation produced a maximum Von Mises stress of 5.84 megapascals for both materials and a maximum displacement of 0.047 millimeters, indicating low deformation under the defined static loading condition. The calculated Factor of Safety from the simulation was 9.1 for ASTM A36 Steel and 7.4 for Galvanized Steel. Both simulated values exceeded the minimum threshold of one, while ASTM A36 Steel provided the larger structural safety margin because of its higher yield strength. The findings indicate that the evaluated frame is sufficiently stiff for the specified static load and that ASTM A36 Steel offers the stronger design margin among the two materials. These results provide a practical basis for preliminary material selection and frame design evaluation before fabrication. Future verification should include equivalent analytical calculations, mesh-convergence assessment, dynamic loading, joint behavior, and prototype load testing to confirm performance under actual operating conditions.