This paper presents a study of moisture absorption-desorption effects in single lap adhesive joints. Experiments were carried out to characterise the moisture uptake of the single part epoxide adhesive, FM73. Tensile testing of single lap joints manufactured from aluminium alloy 2024 T3 and O and FM73 adhesive was carried out after the joints were exposed to different conditioning environments. The experimental results revealed that the failure strength of the single lap joints with 2024 T3 adherends progressively degraded with time when conditioned at 50°C, immersed in water.However, the joint strength almost completely recovered after moisture was desorbed.The single lap joints with 2024 O adherends showed decreased strength for 28 days of conditioning, after which strength recovered, reaching a plateau after 56 days. Again, strength almost completely recovered on desorption of moisture. The strength recovery of the joints, after desorption of moisture, showed that the degradation of the adhesive was largely reversible. Analysis of the failure surfaces revealed that the dry joints failed cohesively in the adhesive layer and that the failure path moved towards the interface after conditioning. The failure mode then reverted back to cohesive failure after

Sustainable machining necessitates energy efficient processes, longer tool lifespan and greater surface integrity of the products in modern manufacturing. However, when considering Ti-6Al-4V alloy these objectives turn out to be difficult to achieve as titanium alloys pose serious machinability challenges, especially at elevated temperatures. In this research, we investigate the optimal machining parameters required for turning of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Turning experiments were performed to optimize four response parameters i.e. specific cutting energy (SCE), wear rate (R), surface roughness (R a ) and material removal rate (MRR) with uncoated H13 carbide inserts in the dry cutting environment. Grey relational analysis (GRA) combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was performed to develop a multi-objective function. Response surface optimization was used to optimize the developed multi-objective function and determine the optimal cutting condition. As per the ANOVA, the interaction of feed rate and cutting speed (f × V) was found to be the most significant factor influencing the grey relational grade (GRG) of the multiobjective function. The optimized machining conditions increased the MRR and tool life by 34 % and 7 %, whereas, reducing the specific cutting energy and surface roughness by 6 % and 2 % respectively. Using Taguchi based GRA by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) weights method, the benefits of high-speed machining Ti6Al4V through multiresponse optimization were achieved.

This research focuses on the study of the effects of processing conditions on the Johnson-Cook material model parameters for orthogonal machining of aluminum (Al 6061-T6) alloy. Two sets of parameters of Johnson-Cook material model describing material behavior of Al 6061-T6 were investigated by comparing cutting forces and chip morphology. A two-dimensional finite element model was developed and validated with the experimental results published literature. Cutting tests were conducted at low-, medium-, and high-speed cutting speeds. Chip formation and cutting forces were compared with the numerical model. A novel technique of cutting force measurement using power meter was also validated. It was found that the cutting forces decrease at higher cutting speeds as compared to the low and medium cutting speeds. The poor prediction of cutting forces by Johnson-Cook model at higher cutting speeds and feed rates showed the existence of a material behavior that does not exist at lower or medium cutting speeds. Two factors were considered responsible for the change in cutting forces at higher cutting speeds: change in coefficient of friction and thermal softening. The results obtained through numerical investigations after incorporated changes in coefficient of friction showed a good agreement with the experimental results.

This paper presents a methodology for predicting moisture concentration in an epoxy adhesive under cyclic moisture absorption-desorption conditions. The diffusion characteristics of the adhesive were determined by gravimetric experiments under cyclic moisture conditions and the dependence of diffusion coefficient and saturated mass uptake on moisture history was determined. Non-Fickian moisture absorption was observed during absorption cycles while moisture desorption remained Fickian. The diffusion coefficient and saturated moisture content showed variation with absorption-desorption cycling. A finite element based methodology incorporating moisture history was developed to predict the cyclic moisture concentration. A comparison is made between the new modelling methodology and a similar method that neglects the moisture history dependence. It was seen that the concentration predictions based on non-history dependent diffusion characteristics resulted in over-prediction of the moisture concentration in cyclic conditioning of adhesive joints. The proposed method serves as the first step in the formulation of a general methodology to predict the moisture dependent degradation and failure in adhesives.

Continuous fibre-reinforced composites have significant industrial importance and usage. However, they are limited by design considerations and high-cost manufacturing operations. This article presents a way forward to utilize Fused Deposition Modelling – a 3D printing technique – to manufacture continuous carbon fibre-reinforced thermoplastics. Several parameters including number of reinforced layers, material impact and interlayer gap have been investigated and optimized using response surface method. Successful incorporation of modified novel nozzle design in a dual nozzle setup resulted in the realization of controlled manufacturing of continuously reinforced composites leading to reinforced yet smooth surface finished samples. Several samples were made, and mechanical testing, parameter optimization, strength calculations and fracture analysis were carried out. For polylactic acid (PLA), tensile strength of 112 MPa and flexural strength of 164 MPA were achieved – an almost 3 times increase from pure PLA printing. The approach presented in this article can forward continuous fibre-reinforced composites for industrial usage with its controlled fibre layup and programmable thread orientation features.