Postgraduate @ FME - Department of Farm Machinery and Precision Engineering

Course Layout and Content for the MS in Farm Machinery and Precision Engineering

Department of Farm Machinery and Precision Engineering, GAU

Course Name: MS in Farm Machinery and Precision Engineering

Minimum Course Requirement for MS Degree:

¹Degree requirements may be changed on the recommendation of the Board of Studies and the Advisory Committee.

²Approved by the Student’s Advisory Committee.

Course Contents

FME 504 Farm Power and Machinery Systems (3 Cr.)

Power: Internal combustion engine design principles. Fuel combustion and heat balance, indicator diagram; Nominal power of tractor engine, transmission efficiency and performance characteristics curves; Kinematics of engine; Dynamics of engine; Determination of forces acting on the crankshaft, moments of inertia of fly-wheel. Force distribution on piston, connecting rod and crankshaft. Design valves, injectors, governors, fuel filters, air cleaners, fly-wheel, radiator operators cabin; soil mechanics and traction, rolling resistance, wheel slip, traction aids. Mechanics of farm tractor chassis, forces acting on tractor, wheel, mass moment of inertia, weight distribution and stability, Hitch system and hydraulic control, power transmission system. Tractor test procedures, tractor power cost etc. Machinery: Tractor and implement relationship, weight transfer and weight addition, stability and control of trailed, mounted and semi-mounted implements, free and restrained link mounted systems. Impact loading on implements, steering and steerability. Stability of tractors, safety structures; Production machinery for crops, dairy and poultry-their functional requirement, operation, adjustments, control, maintenance and repairs. Field visit in the industry and research institutes.

FME 508 Sensors and Instrumentation in Agriculture (3 Cr.)

Introduction to Sensors and Instrumentation: Definition, classification, scope, and applications in agriculture; components of measurement systems. Measurement of Physical Parameters: Sensors for temperature, humidity, pressure, displacement, force, and soil moisture; working principles of resistive, capacitive, inductive, piezoelectric, and thermal sensors. Chemical and Environmental Sensors: Measurement of pH, gases, and nutrient levels in soil and water using electrochemical and optical sensors. Sensor Selection and Integration: Criteria for selecting appropriate sensors; integration with data acquisition systems, microcontrollers, and embedded systems. Signal Conditioning and Data Acquisition: Techniques including amplification, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, and interfacing with digital platforms. Calibration and Error Analysis: Calibration procedures; error sources and uncertainty analysis; performance metrics—accuracy, precision, resolution, and sensitivity. Applications in Precision Agriculture: Use of sensors for site-specific management in irrigation, fertigation, pest and disease monitoring, and greenhouse control. Wireless Sensing and IoT Integration: Wireless sensor networks, real-time data communication; cloud connectivity for smart farming. Data Logging and Visualization Tools. Visit the sensor-based systems in field and greenhouse settings; lab demonstrations and analysis of real-world applications.

FME 512 Design and Mechanics of Farm Implements (3 Cr.)

Classification, application, and functional requirements of farm implements; Design process and methodology in agricultural equipment; Soil mechanics and soil-tool interaction: soil properties, failure theories (Mohr-Coulomb, Cam clay), and cutting mechanics; Mechanics of soil-working tools: ploughs, tillage tool geometry, draft prediction, and wear analysis; Traction and implement dynamics: tractor-implement interaction, wheel slip, drawbar pull, stability, and hitch systems; Design of crop production equipment: planters, seed drills, sprayers, harvesters; force analysis, feed mechanisms, and calibration; Material selection and structural design: stress analysis, fatigue resistance, corrosion, frame and joint design; CAD modeling and simulation: finite element modeling (FEM), soil-tool interaction, and virtual prototyping; Case studies and practical design: implement design projects, cost estimation, working drawings, and field performance evaluation

FME 518 Modeling and Optimization of Agricultural Systems (3 Cr.)

Introduction to Systems. Model and Simulation Systems: Definition, types of system (discrete and continuous system), System boundary and limitation; Model: Definition and classification of models, techniques & modeling of complex systems, Usefulness of a model; Simulation and modeling of Agricultural Systems: System modeling procedures: Parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis: validation, Modeling of crop growth and diversification, Modeling of farming systems, Modeling of agricultural mechanization, Modeling of environmental impacts of agricultural pollution and drought. Concepts of systems and decision-making in agricultural planning and mechanization; Classification of systems: discrete, continuous, deterministic, and stochastic systems; System boundaries, constraints, and modeling limitations in agricultural operations; Modeling and simulation techniques: model types, abstraction methods, parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis, calibration, and validation; Applications of system modeling: crop growth simulation, integrated farming systems, mechanization strategies, and environmental impact analysis; Mathematical programming in agriculture: linear programming, problem formulation, simplex method, and sensitivity analysis; Advanced optimization: dynamic programming, decision trees, and multi-stage decision-making models; Probabilistic models: basics of probability theory, inventory theory, and decision-making under uncertainty; Markovian decision processes and their applications in agricultural systems; Development and application of decision support systems for resource planning and mechanization; Case studies: crop planning, machinery allocation, irrigation scheduling, and modeling of climate-related agricultural risks

FME 524 Farm Protection Machinery and Equipment (3 Cr.)

Principles, design, operation, and evaluation of machinery used for protecting crops, fish, and livestock from pests, diseases, and environmental hazards. The course covers various types of crop protection sprayers including knapsack, tractor-mounted, drone-based, and ULV sprayers, emphasizing nozzle types, droplet formation, atomization theory, and calibration techniques. It addresses meteorological influences such as wind and humidity on spray efficiency. In aquaculture, the course includes equipment for water aeration, disinfection, medicated feeding, and biosecurity, while in livestock protection, it covers sprayers, foggers, thermal disinfection units, ventilation systems, and smart health monitoring tools. The course also focuses on droplet dynamics, spray behavior, and the impact of crop morphology on spray retention. Safety, ergonomics, and inclusive design are emphasized to ensure the protection of operators, especially smallholders and marginalized users.

FME 532 Precision Farming Technology (3 Cr.)

Principles, goals, and scope of precision farming; comparison with conventional agriculture; role in sustainable farming systems; Core technologies in precision agriculture: ICT, GPS, GIS, remote sensing, and mobile applications for real-time data acquisition and analysis; Soil and crop variability management: sampling, spatial mapping, sensor-based monitoring, and precision application of water and nutrients; Sensors and data acquisition: types of soil, crop, and weather sensors (proximal and remote); working principles, calibration, and deployment; Variable Rate Technology (VRT): concepts, implementation in seeding, fertilization, pesticide application, and irrigation; hardware and software integration; Drone and aerial imaging technologies: UAV operation, image acquisition, georeferencing, vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI) for crop health monitoring; Yield monitoring and mapping: components of yield monitors, calibration techniques, data processing, and yield map generation and interpretation; Decision Support Systems (DSS): AI and machine learning for site-specific management; mobile and cloud-based platforms for advisory services; Precision-enabled machinery: automation, ISOBUS communication, and robotics in field operations; Environmental and economic analysis: impact on input efficiency, emission reduction, and cost-benefit evaluation (ROI); Challenges and future trends: barriers to adoption in developing countries; integration with climate-smart agriculture and the future of autonomous farming. Field visit in the Farming industry.

FME 536 Farm Automation and Robotic Systems (3 Cr.)

Introduction to automation and robotics in agriculture, including scope, classification, and development. Fundamentals of control systems, sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers used in farm automation. Embedded systems and drive mechanisms (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic) for robotic applications. Use of environmental, crop, and soil sensors; vision systems; GPS and IMU for navigation. Design and control of mobile and aerial robots, including path planning, SLAM, and UAV-based operations. Applications of machine vision, AI, and deep learning for precision tasks. Overview of control algorithms (PID, fuzzy, adaptive), IoT communication protocols (CAN, ISOBUS, LoRa, Wi-Fi), and system integration. Discussion of safety, ethical considerations, and standards. Case studies on robotic planters, sprayers, harvesters, and emerging agri-robotic technologies.

FME 540 Machine Vision and Optical Sensing in Agriculture (3 Cr.)

Fundamentals of image formation and computer vision: nature of digital images (RGB, grayscale, multispectral, hyperspectral), image acquisition systems, geometrical optics, perspective projection, and camera calibration. Core image processing techniques: image filtering, enhancement, edge detection, segmentation, feature extraction, and motion tracking. Machine vision systems for agriculture: components, real-time processing, visual feedback, and AI/machine learning integration. Optical properties of agricultural materials: light interaction with biological matter, radiative transport theory, reflection, absorption, transmission, and scattering. Spectroscopy techniques: UV-VIS, NIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy; spectral indices (NDVI, PRI, SAVI); diffuse reflectance and transmittance measurements. Applications in agriculture: fruit grading, ripeness detection, disease monitoring, yield estimation, and quality evaluation of crops and produce. 3D imaging and depth sensing: stereo vision, structured light, time-of-flight sensors, and their use in navigation and automation. Tools and integration platforms: OpenCV, MATLAB, Python, TensorFlow; hardware including RGB/NIR cameras, spectrometers, LiDAR; IoT and GPS integration. Case studies and practical implementations: robotic harvesters, automated phenotyping systems, drone-based imaging, and postharvest sorting technologies.

FME 544 Computational Fluid Dynamics (3 Cr.)

Computational fluid dynamic: A research tool and design tool; agricultural and environment applications. Models of flow: Finite control volume and infinitesimal element, divergence of velocity and its physical meaning. Governing Equations: Continuity equation, Momentum equation, Energy equation and Physical boundary conditions. Introduction to Finite Difference: Numerical solutions of partial differential equations. Numerical solution using FLUENT and Advanced Software: Application in sprayers, machinery, and greenhouses, drying, storage and in built environment.

FME 562 Postharvest Process Engineering (3 Cr.)

Static equilibrium moisture content and dynamic equilibrium moisture content, EMC models. Determination of EMC and latent heat of vaporization of moisture. Thin layer drying equation, empirical, theoretical and semi-theoretical approaches to the study of this layer drying. Deep bed drying. Newcastle Model and Michigan State University Model. Simulation of deep bed. Cross flow & counter flow and concurrent flow driers. Condensation procedure. Factors affecting the storage of grains and their interrelationship. Prediction of temperature changes: prediction of temperature changes during storage due to changing surrounding weather conditions by finite different method; Bagged storage, bulk storage, airtight storage, aerated storage and controlled atmosphere. Design of grain storage.

FME 564 Engineering Mathematics (3 Cr.)

Laplace’s transformation: Elementary transformation and their properties; Solution of differential equations by Laplace’s transforms; Application of Laplace’s transforms, Fourier transforms and separation of variables of boundary value problems; Numerical Analysis: Roots of algebraic and transcendental equations. Bisection method. The secant method. The Newton-Raphsoon method. Finite difference. Finite difference algebra; Interpolation and Extrapolation with equal intervals (finite difference) and unequal intervals (divided difference). Lagrangian interpolation and Richardsons extrapolation; Numerical Integration, the trapezoidal rule. The Simpsons Rule; Numerical Differentiation; Ordinary initial value problems. Euler’s method. Runge-Kutta method (First order linear equation); Partial differential equations. Crank-Nicholson’s method. The Laplace’s equations; Partial differential equation. One dimensional heat equations. Two dimensional wave equations. Solution under different boundary and initial conditions; Solution under different boundary wave equations. Solution under different boundary and initial conditions; Solution of Laplace’s equations.

FME 570 Renewable Energy Systems (3 Cr.)

Biomass Resources for energy, Residues & wastes. Agricultural forest residues, aquatic biomass & energy plantation. Biomass conversion process for energy & fuels. Direct combustion process.   Cellulosic bioethanol: Feedstocks, fermentation, distillation, purification. Biodiesel: Feedstocks from non-edible oils, animal fats, waste oils; transesterification process, by-products and quality control. Thermo-chemical process: Pyrolysis gasification & liquefaction gasification techniques, design of gasifier, kinetic & thermochemistry in gasification, Air and steam gasification, Biochemical process: Anaerobic digestion & aerobic digestion. Solar energy: Fundamentals of solar recitation prediction of solar radiation. Theory of solar collectors and their performance. Simulation of solar water heating and crop drying system. Concepts, design, and implementation of mini-grids for agricultural farms. Integration of solar, biomass, and other renewable sources into mini-grids. Farm energy storage and distribution systems.

FME 574 Engineering Properties of Biological Materials (3 Cr.)

Study of physical attributes such as shape, volume, density, porosity, and particle size distribution of biological materials. Examination of cellular structure and histology of fruits, vegetables, tubers, grains, seeds, meat, dairy, and processed products. Moisture relations including moisture content, equilibrium moisture, water activity, transport properties, and related applications (e.g., freezing, cracking). Mechanical properties of solids: compression, shear, deformation, nondestructive testing, contact stresses, and cell-based behavior models. Analysis of mechanical damage to fruits, vegetables, and grains due to handling and external forces. Rheological properties of liquids: definitions, measurement methods, and practical applications. Thermal properties: measurement and application in freezing and heat transfer processes. Gas exchange in fruits and vegetables: respiration, fermentation, and diffusion. Electromagnetic properties: radiation interaction with biological matter, optical instrumentation, color spaces, NIR spectroscopy, machine vision, and microwave heating. Advanced study of optical and mechanical properties: radiative transport theory, bulk optical behavior, composition-related variations, and assessment using compression, bending, friction, and acoustic measurement techniques.

FME 580 Testing and Maintenance of Farm Machinery (3 Cr.)

Testing and evaluation of farm machinery used in precision agriculture. Includes engine testing (Bhp, fuel systems) relevant to variable rate technology (VRT). Assessment of pumps and blowers in precision irrigation (flow rate, head, efficiency). Evaluation of smart machinery such as tractors, power tillers, transplanters, and harvesters—focusing on drawbar power, field capacity, fuel use, and traction. Covers integration of sensors, GPS, and IoT tools for machine performance monitoring. Emphasizes preventive and corrective maintenance of precision-enabled implements with attention to calibration, sensor alignment, and software updates. Includes field trials and case studies across diverse cropping and soil conditions. Field visit in the Farm Machinery Testing and Standardization Institute.

FME 586 Automation in Livestock and Aquaculture Engineering (3 Cr.)

Modern automation technologies for livestock and aquaculture farming, emphasizing the shift from conventional systems to smart, Industry 4.0-enabled solutions. Key topics include automated housing and environmental controls, smart feeding and watering systems, waste management, health monitoring, aeration and oxygenation control, water quality monitoring using sensors, and robotics in milking, feeding, and egg collection. IoT integration, wireless sensor networks, cloud-based monitoring, and real-time data visualization. Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) concepts, decision support systems, and ethical considerations. Practical work includes sensor calibration, and IoT-based automation modeling.

AGE 598 Seminar (1 Cr.)

Discussion on assigned topics.

AGE 599 Thesis Research (Credit to be arranged but limited to 12 Cr.)

Original research leading to a thesis.