Optimization and Energy Efficiency Analysis of an Automatic Feed Mixer with a Rotating Drum Mechanism

Authors

• Kris Witono, Department of Mechanical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, IndonesiaFollow
• Talifatim Machfuroh, Department of Mechanical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, IndonesiaFollow
• Nurlia Pramita Sari, Department of Mechanical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, IndonesiaFollow
• Lisa Agustriyana, Department of Mechanical Engineering, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, IndonesiaFollow
• Aini Lostari, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Qomaruddin University, Gresik, IndonesiaFollow

Abstract

Energy-efficient feed mixer machines are important for improving the productivity and sustainability of small and medium-scale livestock farms. Previous studies primarily focused on either structural performance or mixing efficiency, with limited studies integrating both aspects. Therefore, this study evaluated an automatic rotating-drum feed mixer by combining Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and energy modeling. The study used FEM simulations for different materials, namely A36 steel alloy, stainless steel 304, aluminium 6061, and galvanized steel, with thicknesses of 3 mm and 4 mm, as well as different drum systems. The FEM results showed that all evaluated materials met the minimum safety requirement, with factors of safety greater than 3. Among the materials analyzed, stainless steel 304 with a thickness of 3 mm demonstrated the best structural performance, exhibiting a maximum von Mises stress of 16.69 MPa, a maximum deformation of 0.112 mm, and a factor of safety of approximately 15. Increasing the frame thickness from 3 mm to 4 mm reduced both stress and deformation by up to 45%. Energy analysis shows that the rotating-drum mechanism required about 25% less mechanical power than the paddle-based system (29.6 W compared to 37.3 W). The system is more efficient, improving from 79% to 88%. These findings demonstrate that integrating FEM-based structural analysis with energy modeling provides an effective approach for optimizing feed mixer design. The proposed rotating-drum feed mixer offers a balanced combination of structural integrity and energy efficiency, making it suitable for cost-effective and environmentally friendly agricultural machinery applications.

Publisher

State University of Malang (UM)

First Page

103

Last Page

117

Recommended Citation

Witono, Kris; Machfuroh, Talifatim; Sari, Nurlia Pramita; Agustriyana, Lisa; and Lostari, Aini (2026) "Optimization and Energy Efficiency Analysis of an Automatic Feed Mixer with a Rotating Drum Mechanism," Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST): Vol. 10: No. 1, Article 8.
DOI: 10.17977/2580-0817.1211
Available at: https://citeus.um.ac.id/jmest/vol10/iss1/8