Improving Indian beehives and beekeeping

This thesis explores five beekeeping topics from a mechanical engineering perspective with findings that are relevant for both Indian and American beekeepers. First, hive weight scale mechanisms are quantitatively analyzed, yielding design improvements to improve accuracy. Second, designs of hive entrances are tested to promote traffic flow, assist ventilation, and exclude pests. Third, recommendations for Indian hive roofs and exteriors are given to keep hives cooler. Fourth, methods to bolster Indian hive standardization and manufacturing quality are suggested to promote larger, more productive colonies. Fifth, designs of hive management tools are prototyped to help encourage scientific beekeeping. This thesis concludes with further research topics and actionable improvements for Indian beehives and beekeeping.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Abbott, Jonathan E.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Alexander H. Slocum.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/103431

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/103431