Vol. 58 No. 3 (2026)

This paper presents a study to improve the performance of Fe-Mn-C cast steels containing 1.7% and 2.7% Cr by weight, using two treatment methods (thermal and mechanical) applied separately to two different steel grades. This approach enables an extended service life for components such as crusher liners, mill hammers, and level crossings, without requiring complete recasting. The experimental techniques used for characterization included spark optical emission spectroscopy, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, as well as micro- and macro-hardness testing. Steel 1, with a…

Polyoxometalates (POMs) have emerged as exceptionally versatile catalysts for green chemical reactions, demonstrating significant potential in the sustainable valorization of biomass. Their tunable Brønsted/Lewis acidity and redox properties enable a broad range of chemical transformations, offering remarkable flexibility in process design. This mini review provides a summary of recent advances in the thermocatalytic conversion of biomass using POMs, addressing their utilization as both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts. Key reaction pathways, including solvolysis, oxidation,…

Efficient water management is essential for ensuring sustainability and reducing operational costs, especially in small to medium-scale buildings such as schools, health clinics, and office facilities. This paper presents the design and implementation of a cost-effective automated water flow monitoring system, integrating a Mitsubishi FX3U-14MT PLC with an Arduino module to facilitate real-time flow measurement and precise control of solenoid valves. The PLC is programmed using ladder logic, while the Arduino is responsible for processing sensor data, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy…

As industries strive to enhance their applications to meet growing market demand, accurate speed control of single-phase induction motors (SPIMs) remains a crucial concern. This paper presents the modelling and simulation of SPIM speed control based on a hybrid Model Reference Adaptive System (MRAS) integrated with a Fuzzy–PID regulator. Superior performance was achieved by integrating MRAS with a fuzzy-PID regulator using an adaptive self-tuning mechanism. The purpose of this integration was to leverage the adaptive nature of MRAS and the robustness of the Fuzzy-PID regulator to enhance…

The global waste crisis necessitates innovative solutions for sustainable energy conversion. This study presents a comprehensive optimization framework for evaporator design in Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) systems utilized in waste-to-energy conversion. This research integrates the Function Analysis System Technique (FAST) diagram with Value Engineering (VE) principles to assess the logical hierarchy and cost analysis components of system effectiveness. Evaluation of the 887 kW shell-and-tube evaporator showed tubes, baffles, and shells account for 90% of production costs and are the most…

Soft clay soils represent a significant challenge for embankment construction due to high compressibility, low shear strength, low bearing capacity, and excessive settlement potential. This study presents an enhanced finite-element model to evaluate the performance of Mortar Column Inclusion (Inklusi Kolom Mortar, or IKM) as a rigid inclusion supporting embankments over slightly overconsolidated soft clays, as implemented in the Serang-Panimbang Toll Road Project (STA 75+600 to STA 75+800). The propose approach integrates depth-dependent multilinear lateral resistance with structural “dummy”…

With the current rapid advancement of science and technology, there is an increasing focus on comprehensive research and the development of practical solutions for self-driving electric cars to address challenges, including environmental pollution, renewable energy utilization, emission control, and battery recycling. In this study, automatic direction control is achieved for electric vehicles by implementing line-tracing autonomous vehicles equipped with computer vision-based cameras, utilizing Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), the Takagi–Sugeno Fuzzy model, and the PID control system.…