Design and Analysis of Rotary System Rice Dryer Frame Using Finite Element Method in SolidWorks Simulation

Abstract

The traditional rice drying process is still widely applied by farmers in Indonesia; however, this method is highly dependent on weather conditions, requires a long drying time, and produces non-uniform grain quality. These conditions drive the need for a rotary system rice dryer machine capable of operating stably without depending on the weather, where the frame, as the supporting structure for all main machine components, plays a crucial role in the safety and stability of the system during operation. This study aims to design and analyze the strength of the rotary system rice dryer machine frame to determine the stress distribution, deformation, and structural safety factor before it is realized in the manufacturing stage. The three-dimensional model of the frame was created using SolidWorks 2024 software with ASTM A36 steel material having an angle iron profile measuring 40 x 40 x 3 millimeters. The structural analysis was conducted statically with a fixed support boundary condition on the frame legs, while loading was applied to the drum mount, drum cover, drive motor, and blower using the finite element method approach. The simulation analysis results were then compared with theoretical manual calculations to verify the accuracy of the results. The simulation results showed a maximum von Mises stress value of 37.87 megapascals, a maximum deformation of 0.158 millimeters, and a safety factor of 6.6. The manual calculation produced comparable values, namely a von Mises stress of 43.20 megapascals, a deformation of 0.162 millimeters, and a safety factor of 5.79. The agreement between the two approaches indicates that the simulation results are valid and theoretically justifiable. Based on these findings, the frame design is declared safe, stable, and feasible for realization in the manufacturing stage, thus capable of supporting a more efficient rice drying process that does not depend on weather conditions. The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference in the development of more efficient and safe rice dryer machine frame designs in future research.