Formulation of field data based model of human energy expenditure during wheat grinding operation based on anthropometric and ergonomic considerations

Abstract

This paper highlights the detailed methodology of mathematical model formulation for the human energy expenditure in the wheat grinding operation. This paper details the formulation of field data based model to analyze the impact of various machining field parameters on the human energy expenditure in the wheat grinding operation. In all, 34 independent variables are studied to analyze their effect on the dependent variable human energy expenditure. The independent variables are then grouped to form 7 dimensionless pi terms using the Buckingham’s Pi Theorem. Further, a model is developed using matrix analysis and the effect of the independent pi terms on the dependent pi term is established. Model derived by combining positive and negative pi terms, further analyzes the effect of the independent variables on the human energy expenditure. The models are validated to gauge the accuracy. Formulation of mathematical model and sensitivity analysis reveals that the anthropometric data of the operators has the highest influence on the human energy expenditure during the wheat grinding operation. Other factor that significantly affect the human energy expenditure is the environmental conditions in the workshop, majorly ambient temperature in the workshop. Research suggests that as the temperature inside the workshop increases, the human energy expenditure also increases.