International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences ISSN: 3005-3471 DOI: 10.61424/ijans Journal Homepage: www.bluemarkpublishers.com/index.php/IJANS IJANS BLUEMARK PUBLISHERS Copyright: © 2024 the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Published by Bluemark Publishers. Page | 40 | RESEARCH ARTICLE Modelling and Optimization of Banana/Plantain Fiber Extraction Systems through Dimensional Analysis Ifeanyichukwu Ugochukwu Onyenanu 1 ✉ Nwachukwu Onyeneke Ukwu 2 , Vincent Chukwuemeka Ezechukwu 3 , Ifunanya Mariagoretti Onyenanu 4 and Chukwuma Jachike Nwadiuto 5 1235 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University – Nigeria 4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Caritas University, Enugu – Nigeria Corresponding Author: Ifeanyichukwu Ugochukwu Onyenanu, E-mail: mecury4eva@yahoo.co.uk | ABSTRACT This study presents a comprehensive parametric modelling approach for a locally produced plantain and banana fiber extractor, utilizing the Buckingham Pi theorem to analyze the complex interactions among various operational parameters. Plantain and banana fibers are increasingly recognized for their diverse industrial applications, including textiles, paper, packaging, and food supplements. The mechanical extraction of these fibers is prevalent, necessitating a well-designed process that conserves the natural properties of the fibers while maximizing cost- effectiveness. This research aims to optimize the design and operational parameters of the extractor to enhance its extraction capacity and overall efficiency. Employing the Buckingham Pi theorem, the study constructs dimensionless Pi terms from key parameters impacting the extractor's performance. The analysis reveals a coefficient of correlation (R²) of 0.9923 for extraction efficiency and 0.9867 for extraction capacity, indicating a strong predictive capability of the developed model. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing the performance of the plantain and banana fiber extractor, ultimately contributing to more efficient and sustainable fiber extraction processes. This model serves as a critical tool for designers and manufacturers aiming to improve the economic viability of fiber extraction systems. | KEYWORDS Parametric modelling, plantain fiber extractor, banana fiber extractor, dimensional analysis, Buckingham Pi theorem. | ARTICLE INFORMATION ACCEPTED: 10 November 2024 PUBLISHED: 11 December 2024 DOI: 10.61424/ijans.v2.i2.161 1. Introduction The extraction of fibers from banana and plantain species is of paramount significance across a multitude of sectors, encompassing textiles, paper manufacturing, packaging, and agricultural practices. These natural fibers are predominantly sourced from the pseudo-stems of banana and plantain plants, which thrive abundantly in tropical climates. Their distinctive characteristics, which include a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and inherent buoyancy, render them indispensable raw materials for an array of applications. For example, banana fibers are employed in the fabrication of shipping cables, attributed to their exceptional strength and resilience (Bhatnagar et al., 2018). Furthermore, they are utilized in the creation of eco-friendly products such as tea bags, filter fabrics, and biodegradable packaging solutions (Tharar et al., 2019). In addition to their industrial roles, banana pseudo-stems are esteemed for their nutritional properties. Research conducted by Buragohain et al. (2010) underscores the potential of banana pseudo-stems as a crucial staple food