Miles Grafton
Doctor of Philosophy, (Agricultural Engineering)
Study Completed: 2010
College of Sciences
Citation
Thesis Title
Flow on particute material from a topdressing aircraft
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
About half of New Zealand’s pastoral farms by area; rely on aerial application of fertilisers. This aviation sector is the only branch which has a deteriorating accident rate. Aircraft are required to deliver a range of fertilisers with a range of flow properties using the same discharge mechanism fitted to the aircraft. The findings of this research identified that crushed limestone is the most problematic material. Methods were developed to improve the flow properties of limestone which could reduce the aircraft accidents caused by material flow problems and improve the accuracy of spread from aircraft.
Supervisors
Professor Ian Yule
Professor Jim Jones
Professor Clive Davies