The aerospace, marine, automotive, construction, and military industries, as well as ordinary consumer items, place a great deal of significance on sheet metals such as titanium alloys, steel alloys, and aluminum alloys. Understanding how laser cutting parameters affect cutting quality is crucial since laser cutting has become a top non-conventional technology for precision sheet metal cutting. This thorough analysis explores the complex link between the parameters used in laser cutting and the final surface quality and kerf characteristics, identifying the parameters that have the biggest influence on cutting quality. This review also provides a detailed comparison that emphasizes the benefits of laser cutting over conventional machine methods. It also explores the nuances of laser cutting, differentiating between different laser sources and their unique properties in terms of material thickness and advantages. Moreover, it offers a thorough analysis of the characteristics and range of uses of the materials being studied. The review provides a methodical classification of the examined literature by carefully defining performance parameters with the use of graphical representations and equations, and by arranging research analysis and discussions with the use of detailed tables and graphs. In order to produce the best results in terms of low surface roughness, minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ) width, narrow kerf width, and ideal kerf angle, it is crucial to use certain parameters, which include low laser power, high cutting speed, moderate gas pressure, adequate standoff distance, intermediate pulse frequency and width, small nozzle diameter, decreased material thickness, and nitrogen as an assist gas.

This study investigates the viability of utilizing non-biodegradable industrial waste streams specifically ground glass, crushed brick, and sanitary ceramics as alternative fillers in self-compacting mortars (SCMs). A conventional SCM mixture incorporating traditional limestone filler served as the control benchmark. The research assessed the influence of substituting conventional fillers with waste- derived materials, varying their proportions while maintaining a constant cement content. The experimental results showed that the inclusion of alternative fillers enabled the target slump flow values to be achieved with a lower water-cement ratio, thus reducing water demand. However, the mortars with brick and ceramic fillers had longer mini-V- funnel flow times. Analysis of the hydration heat revealed that brick and ceramic fillers accelerated early hydration reactions, whereas glass fillers exhibited a delayed reactivity. Mortars containing these alternative fillers showed significant mechanical strength increases over time; compressive strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity increased significantly. After 365 days of curing, compressive strength values increased by 34% and 37% for mortars containing brick and ceramic fillers, respectively, and by 31% for those incorporating glass fillers, relative to the control mortar. These findings highlight the promising potential of valorizing industrial waste materials as efficient, economical, and environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional limestone fillers in SCMs.

This paper improves the prediction of the nonlinear moment-curvature Characteristics of Reinforced concrete beams by using the Ramberg-Osgood model. Develop an integrated analytical (closed-form) moment–curvature framework based on the Ramberg–Osgood function, which provides a smooth (continuous) elastic-to-plastic transition for steel. At the same time, concrete degradation is captured progressively through cracking and crushing using section analysis with equilibrium and strain-compatibility conditions. The model was validated through two extensive investigations of ultimate moments measured in laboratory tests. The Ramberg-Osgood model provides better predictions of ultimate moments than IS 456-2000 and achieves more than 28% Improvement in the average difference between predicted and actual ultimate moments, with a coefficient of determination (R2) greater than 0.98. The results demonstrate that the Ramberg-Osgood model can accurately describe the significant phases of reinforced concrete section behavior-concrete cracking, steel yielding, and post-yield hardening- thereby providing a more reliable method of analyzing Reinforced Concrete Flexural Performance through a nonlinear analysis than the traditional IS 456:2000 approach.

This study presents a novel enhancement to Technical & Vocational Education & Training based on the Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (TVETPSO). In this approach, we integrate the Levy Flight strategy in the self-improvement phase rooted in human strategy learning, aimed at improving the optimization capabilities of the algorithm. TVETPSO approach, while effective, often limited exploration of the solution space. By leveraging the Levy flight strategy, characterized by its unique movement patterns of occasional large leaps and frequent smaller steps, our enhancement enables particles to escape local optima and better exploit their experiences. This dynamic exploration facilitates more effective learning and adaptation, leading to improved convergence rates and efficient solutions. In the context of mechanical engineering, this enhancement holds significant promise for optimizing design processes, structural analysis, and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to more efficient and innovative engineering solutions. By fostering a balance between exploration and exploitation, our approach not only advances optimization methodologies but also opens new avenues for applications in complex mechanical systems.

The growing need for environmentally friendly building materials has prompted the creation of creative methods to enhance concrete's mechanical qualities and ecological sustainability. With a focus on its eco-friendliness and sustainability, this research examines the mechanical characteristics and qualities of bacterial concrete augmented with steel fibers (SF) and nano-silica (NS). NS is used at 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% together with 1% of SF to improve the mechanical strength and durability of concrete. It is well-known for its pozzolanic activity and capacity to refine pore architectures. In this research, tests for compressive, flexural, impact, bond, and splitting-tensile strength are evaluated. Microstructural characterization conducted using techniques such as SEM with EDS on the optimized mix confirms the improved pore structure and calcite (CaCO3) deposition. Comparing the findings of bacterial concrete with the control mix, the addition of 2% NS and 1% SF enhances the compressive strength by 14.17%, the splitting tensile strength by 8.69%, and the flexural strength by 12.16%. This study therefore emphasizes the possibility of combining microbiological, SF, and NS technologies to create cutting-edge green concrete solutions.

The aim of this work is to examine, from the perspective of Constructal Design, the influence of the width (W_pcm ) of a reservoir filled with PCM (phase change material) on the cooling performance of a Li-ion battery cell under discharge rates of 3C and 5C. The problem is considered two-dimensional and transient. The mathematical model is multiphase, with different characteristics for the solid domain (battery cell) and the fluid domain (PCM reservoir), based on the mass, momentum and energy balance equations. The finite volume method is used to solve the problem numerically, and the grid meshes used in the spatial discretization are subjected to uncertainty analysis. The results show that the use of the PCM reservoir contributes significantly to the cooling of the battery. When the battery discharge occurs at a rate of 5C, there is a 13.1°C reduction in the maximum temperature of the battery (T_max ).

Polymer matrix composites have become quite popular in the field of materials engineering owing to their high strength to weight ratios and cost effectiveness. Several synthetic fibers have been employed as reinforcement with thermoset resin as the matrix in order to achieve improved mechanical or tribological performance of the composite. A secondary reinforcement known as filler is believed to further enhance these properties. In this paper, the influence of Potassium Titanate Whiskers (PTW) as reinforcing fillers on the mechanical performance of Kevlar ® /Epoxy composite combination has been discussed. Composite samples were fabricated by hand lay-up method followed by compression by altering the weight percentage of the whiskers in the order of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%. Mechanical tests like tensile, flexural, impact and hardness were conducted on the developed composite samples as per ASTM standards. The results indicated that the inclusion of PTW into Kevlar® /Epoxy system influenced the mechanical properties of the composites. Compared to the unfilled composites, the tensile strength increased by 6.39%, flexural strength increased by 6.32%, impact strength increased by 22.96%, and Shore D hardness value increased by 9.62% for 2 wt. % PTW. However, the mechanical properties showed a declining trend beyond PTW loading of 2 wt. %. Selected tensile specimens were analyzed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images to understand their failure mechanisms.

As a lightweight material, foamed concrete has been widely used in construction because of its excellent lightweight properties, heat preservation and sound absorption. However, due to its low strength, its further application is limited. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) was employed in this study to modify the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) based foaming agent to enhance the stability and performance of foamed concrete. The effects of HEC content on foam stability, bleeding, fluidity, strength, water absorption and internal pore structure were systematically investigated. The results indicate that as the HEC content increases, the foam stability improves, while the fluidity and water absorption of the foamed concrete slurry decrease. Compared with the control group (without HEC), the content of 0.15% HEC increased the 28-day compressive strength by 33.66%, reaching 2.75 MPa. Furthermore, HEC optimized the pore structure, significantly reducing the average pore diameter. When the HEC content reached 2%, the proportion of small pores was approximately 99%. These findings suggest that HEC effectively improves the overall performance of foamed concrete, offering a theoretical foundation for its broader application in engineering.

This study investigates the effectiveness of solar energy-based heat treatment for concrete and mortar as a sustainable alternative to conventional curing methods. The approach aims to enhance early-age strength while reducing energy consumption, lowering production costs, and minimizing environmental impact. The acceleration of concrete and mortar hardening contributes to early-age strength development, which is beneficial for the prefabricated construction industry. Two treatment cycles were conducted: The first was: A 10 hours cycle in a solar dryer (SD) and an oven, reaching a maximum temperature of 55°C, with an average relative humidity of 60%. The second was: A 12 hours cycle in a solar greenhouse (SG), achieving 60°C with 50% relative humidity. The results of the tests were compared with those of the control specimens, hardened in at 25°C, 50% of relative humidity. The heat treatment significantly enhanced early-age strength development. On day one, mortar flexural strengths in SD, oven, and SG reached 25%, 25%, and 18%, respectively, of 28 days control specimen strength. However, treatment conditions did not significantly affect flexural strength at 120 days, with treated specimens exhibiting strengths comparable to control specimens. Moreover, these treatments lower concrete production costs while reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately 214.6 g/m³, underscoring their positive environmental impact.

This paper presents an innovative plastic injection molding technique for producing polyvinyl chloride/carbon fiber/graphene nanocomposite pipes. It includes calculating the natural frequencies and vibration properties of the composite pipe under various flow velocities of (Gas oil) fluid with a density of 0.822 g/cm³. The mechanical performance of the fabricated composite nano pipes is evaluated using three tests: axial tensile, axial compression stress, and ultimate strain. Young’s modulus varies, ranging between 40 GPa and 120 GPa depending on the composite metal's percentage of polyvinyl chloride/ carbon fiber/ graphene. Mathematical results using MATLAB demonstrate that the reprocessed PVC/CF/Gr composites demonstrated superior mechanical performance relative to (FEM) predictions in the Ansys software workbench 21.0 package. Specifically, a 170% increase in Young's modulus and a 140% increase in ultimate tensile strength were observed at 2 wt% graphene. Due to the bonding between the fibers and the polymer matrix, the highest difference in the fundamental natural frequency between the theoretical and numerical results was found to be 8.18%, at a speed of 2 m/s.