Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Design and Development of a Universal Threshing Machine for Commercial Applications

Received: 14 December 2025     Accepted: 29 December 2025     Published: 31 January 2026
Views:       Downloads:
Abstract

This study reviews existing research on the design, construction, and performance optimization of shredding and threshing machines, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of their operational characteristics and identifying opportunities for improved efficiency. A systematic methodology was adopted, incorporating theoretical machine design, computer-aided modelling, finite element analysis, and motion simulation using Autodesk Inventor and MATLAB. The findings show that the universal shredding and threshing machine performs optimally, achieving an efficiency of approximately 90%, with both shredding and threshing operations executed effectively. Finite element analysis further confirms the structural suitability of the frame and cutting blades, indicating an absence of plastic deformation or failure under operational loads. Motion analysis reveals that the main shaft and tray function proportionally and maintain consistent speeds, with a linear tray velocity of about 48 m/s and an angular shaft speed of approximately 120 rad/s, validating the machine’s stable performance characteristics. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends upgrading the electric motor to improve operational efficiency, increasing blade thickness to enhance cutting performance and durability, and incorporating AnyLogic simulation software for more advanced validation of component motion and speed. The insights provided contribute to improved understanding and further optimization of shredding and threshing machine performance for industrial applications.

Published in International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11
Page(s) 1-12
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Shredding and Threshing Machine, Finite Element Analysis, Machine Design, Computer-Aided Design

References
[1] D. Kumar and P. Kalita, “Reducing Postharvest Losses during Storage of Grain Crops to Strengthen Food Security in Developing Countries,” Foods, vol. 6, no. 1, p. 8, Jan. 2017,
[2] J. L. C. Fannou et al., “Design and Manufacture of a Groundnut Sheller,” Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, vol. 42, no. 7, pp. 66–75, Aug. 2020,
[3] R. J. Chandra, P. Masilamani, B. Suthakar, P. Rajkumar, S. D. Sivakumar, and V. Manonmani, “Impact of harvesting and threshing methods of rice: A comprehensive review on seed quality and storage behaviour,” Plant Science Today, vol. 12, no. sp3, Jun. 2025,
[4] A. B. Hassan, M. S. Abolarin, O. A. Olugboji, & I. C. Ugwuoke, “The Design and Construction of Maize Threshing Machine”, AU J. T., 12(3), 199–206, 2009.
[5] B. Nath, G. Chen, C. M. O’Sullivan, and D. Zare, “Research and Technologies to Reduce Grain Postharvest Losses: A Review,” Foods, vol. 13, no. 12, p. 1875, Jun. 2024,
[6] M. A. Adesokan, K. O. Oriola, B. A. Ogundeji, and O. W. Muhammed-Bashir, “Design, Construction and Performance Evaluation of Low Cost Maize Dehusker-Sheller in Nigeria,” Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 1–8, Apr. 2019,
[7] P. Yamba, “Design, Manufacture and Performance Evaluation of a Soybean Paddle Thresher with a Blower,” International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications, vol. 5, no. 5, p. 253, 2017,
[8] G. Kuzin et al., “Design of a threshing apparatus of the combine harvester of a new generation,” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, vol. 1001, no. 1, p. 012063, Dec. 2020,
[9] B. Wijayanto and E. Puspitojati, “Optimizing Agricultural Mechanization to Enhance The Efficiency and Productivity of Farming In Indonesia: A Review,” AJARCDE (Asian Journal of Applied Research for Community Development and Empowerment), vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 209–217, Sep. 2024,
[10] A. Pandey and R. M. Stevens, “Performance evaluation of high capacity multi crop thresher on ‘gram’ crop,” International Journal of Agricultural Engineering, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 94–101, Apr. 2016,
[11] P. Parmanand, A. Verma, P. D. Verma, and P. K. Guru, “Development of pedal operated thresher for finger millets,” INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 175–180, Oct. 2015,
[12] N. S. Velloso, A. Luis Gonçalves Costa, R. Rodrigues Magalhães, F. Lúcio Santos, and E. Tavares de Andrade, “The Finite Element Method Applied to Agricultural Engineering: A Review,” Current Agriculture Research Journal, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 286–299, Dec. 2018,
[13] P. S. Krishna, P. Pradeep, B. Bivek, and P. S. Bim, “Mathematical modeling, simulation and analysis of rice grain movement for design and fabrication of low-cost winnowing machine,” Journal of Mechanical Engineering Research, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1–14, Jan. 2017,
[14] Rilwanu, S. M., Ulaiman, A., and Bose, A. A., “Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Rice Production Technologies in Western Agricultural Zone of Bauchi State, Nigeria,” Nigerian Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 41–54, Jun. 2024,
[15] O. C. Okafor, I. E. Ekengwu, A. M. Udefi, and O. K. Osazuwa, “Design and Implementation of a High-efficient Chicken Defeathering Machine for Commercial Utilization,” International Journal of Darshan Institute on Engineering Research and Emerging Technologies, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 07–17, Mar. 2024,
Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Okongwu, D., Nwigbo, S. C., Okafor, O. C., Uyaelumuo, E. I. (2026). Design and Development of a Universal Threshing Machine for Commercial Applications. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications, 14(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11

    Copy | Download

    ACS Style

    Okongwu, D.; Nwigbo, S. C.; Okafor, O. C.; Uyaelumuo, E. I. Design and Development of a Universal Threshing Machine for Commercial Applications. Int. J. Mech. Eng. Appl. 2026, 14(1), 1-12. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11

    Copy | Download

    AMA Style

    Okongwu D, Nwigbo SC, Okafor OC, Uyaelumuo EI. Design and Development of a Universal Threshing Machine for Commercial Applications. Int J Mech Eng Appl. 2026;14(1):1-12. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11

    Copy | Download

  • @article{10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11,
      author = {Damian Okongwu and Solomon Chuka Nwigbo and Obiora Clement Okafor and Emmanuel Ikechukwu Uyaelumuo},
      title = {Design and Development of a Universal Threshing Machine for Commercial Applications},
      journal = {International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications},
      volume = {14},
      number = {1},
      pages = {1-12},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmea.20261401.11},
      abstract = {This study reviews existing research on the design, construction, and performance optimization of shredding and threshing machines, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of their operational characteristics and identifying opportunities for improved efficiency. A systematic methodology was adopted, incorporating theoretical machine design, computer-aided modelling, finite element analysis, and motion simulation using Autodesk Inventor and MATLAB. The findings show that the universal shredding and threshing machine performs optimally, achieving an efficiency of approximately 90%, with both shredding and threshing operations executed effectively. Finite element analysis further confirms the structural suitability of the frame and cutting blades, indicating an absence of plastic deformation or failure under operational loads. Motion analysis reveals that the main shaft and tray function proportionally and maintain consistent speeds, with a linear tray velocity of about 48 m/s and an angular shaft speed of approximately 120 rad/s, validating the machine’s stable performance characteristics. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends upgrading the electric motor to improve operational efficiency, increasing blade thickness to enhance cutting performance and durability, and incorporating AnyLogic simulation software for more advanced validation of component motion and speed. The insights provided contribute to improved understanding and further optimization of shredding and threshing machine performance for industrial applications.},
     year = {2026}
    }
    

    Copy | Download

  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Design and Development of a Universal Threshing Machine for Commercial Applications
    AU  - Damian Okongwu
    AU  - Solomon Chuka Nwigbo
    AU  - Obiora Clement Okafor
    AU  - Emmanuel Ikechukwu Uyaelumuo
    Y1  - 2026/01/31
    PY  - 2026
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11
    T2  - International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications
    JF  - International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications
    JO  - International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Applications
    SP  - 1
    EP  - 12
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2330-0248
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmea.20261401.11
    AB  - This study reviews existing research on the design, construction, and performance optimization of shredding and threshing machines, with the aim of developing a comprehensive understanding of their operational characteristics and identifying opportunities for improved efficiency. A systematic methodology was adopted, incorporating theoretical machine design, computer-aided modelling, finite element analysis, and motion simulation using Autodesk Inventor and MATLAB. The findings show that the universal shredding and threshing machine performs optimally, achieving an efficiency of approximately 90%, with both shredding and threshing operations executed effectively. Finite element analysis further confirms the structural suitability of the frame and cutting blades, indicating an absence of plastic deformation or failure under operational loads. Motion analysis reveals that the main shaft and tray function proportionally and maintain consistent speeds, with a linear tray velocity of about 48 m/s and an angular shaft speed of approximately 120 rad/s, validating the machine’s stable performance characteristics. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends upgrading the electric motor to improve operational efficiency, increasing blade thickness to enhance cutting performance and durability, and incorporating AnyLogic simulation software for more advanced validation of component motion and speed. The insights provided contribute to improved understanding and further optimization of shredding and threshing machine performance for industrial applications.
    VL  - 14
    IS  - 1
    ER  - 

    Copy | Download

Author Information
  • Sections