Pipe flange connections are critical components in nuclear and petrochemical facilities, where reliable sealing and structural integrity are essential for safe operation. In research on open-pool reactors, ion beam tubes represent a specialized application of flange-connected pressure boundaries. This study investigated the structural response and sealing performance of a beam tube–flange assembly using three-dimensional nonlinear finite element analysis. The beam tube was evaluated under two operating conditions: an empty configuration and a configuration subjected to externally applied mechanical loads. Stress analysis indicated that the maximum Von Mises stress in the beam tube remained well below the material yield strength and satisfied the design deformation limit of 3 mm for both loading scenarios. Sealing performance assessment of the flange joint showed a bolt stress variation of 23 MPa, which remained within acceptable design limits. The corresponding gasket stress variation was 0.49 MPa, with maximum and minimum gasket stresses were within the recommended operating range of 1.4–8 MPa. Time-dependent analysis revealed gasket stress relaxation of 3.5% for the empty beam tube and 3.78% for the externally loaded case. The finite element results were validated using analytical models, demonstrating good agreement with discrepancies ranging from 0.01% to 5.8%. The findings confirmed the structural adequacy and sealing reliability of the beam tube–flange assembly under the investigated operating conditions, providing a robust basis for safe design and operation in research reactor applications.

Aluminum 7075 (AA7075) thin plates are used extensively in the marine industry, especially for the manufacture of skin panels for hydrofoils. Although surface grinding is a finishing process for AA7075 thin plates, the extent of the influence of grinding parameters on the apparent elastic modulus is not well understood.  This study statistically evaluates the influence of surface grinding parameters on the apparent elastic modulus of AA7075 thin plates. Samples of AA7075 thin plates were ground with respect to an experimental design, and their apparent elastic modulus was measured from the DI-CP/V2 Servo-hydraulic testing machine. It was found that the feed has the highest standardized effect (7.0) on the apparent elastic modulus (9.84–32.81 GPa), followed by table speed (5.8) and grinding depth (5.5). The two-way interactions were significant except for the table speed-grinding depth interaction.  The regression model shows a close match to the experimental data as indicated by the low standard error (S = 2.14), large coefficient of determination (R² = 82.51%), and high adjusted coefficient of determination (R² adj = 73.52%), which means that the chosen factors and interactions can be used to explain the large percentage of the variability of the apparent elastic modulus. The optimal grinding parameters were found at high table speed (50 spm), high feed (5 mm), and high grinding depth (1 mm). 

Logistics costs have become a concern for the Indonesian government, and in 2024, they accounted for 14% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Transportation costs are one of the elements of logistics costs. This condition has compelled leaders and teams in the apparel industry to allocate resources efficiently, effectively, and productively, with minimal waste. Based on this reason, the organization sought to identify the root causes of waste and implement improvements in transportation. These wastes of road transportation were identified and reduced by DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) method and lean tools, including Value Stream Map (VSM), Lean Metrics, Five Whys (5Ws), Transportation Overall Vehicle Effectiveness (TOVE) – Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), transport software, and SmartSheet. Data collection and observations were conducted in 2024 and 2025, resulting in improvements across various aspects, including a 75.75% reduction in parking time, a 4.67% decrease in distance traveled, an 82.66% decrease in vehicle utilization, and a 16.66% reduction in transportation costs. The Lean concept remains an effective tool for reducing waste.

The manufacturing industry in Nigeria has been the so-called cornerstone of economic development since the sector has continuously played a major role in providing jobs and industrial capital. However, there remain issues that impede its progress, including inefficient resource use, unstable regulatory systems, and the need to comply with international market requirements. Specifically, it examined the effect of employee engagement, process efficiency, and resource allocation on Nigeria’s manufacturing sector. A survey research design was adopted, with a total population of 117 employees across five manufacturing firms. A total of 91 participants were administered a structured questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using PLS-SEM. Findings revealed that employee engagement has the strongest effect on sustainable production (β = 0.412, t = 6.250, p < 0.000), followed by resource allocation (β = 0.237, t = 3.610, p < 0.000), and process efficiency (β = 0.174, t = 2.877, p = 0.004). It concluded that continuous improvement is significantly vital for sustainable production in the five sugar manufacturing firms studied in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that management of these selected firms focus on developing unique resource allocation strategies, employee engagement, and process efficiency to ensure sustained workforce improvement, thereby achieving sustainable production outcomes.

In recent years, the use of high-strength steels in hardfacing process has become increasingly common. One typical industrial example is the case of hydraulic shears used in building demolition operations, where the components are exposed not only to significant abrasive wear but also to intense dynamic loading. The use of quenched and tempered high-strength steel grade S690QL has become particularly widespread in this field, primarily as the base material for the hardfacing applied to the most heavily loaded regions of demolition shears. However, quenched and tempered high-strength steels are highly sensitive to the effects of the welding thermal cycle, which typically cause detrimental changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the heat-affected zone. The thermal cycles occurring during hardfacing differ from those typical of fusion welding, and consequently, the structure and mechanical properties of the resulting heat-affected zone may also vary. In addition, the penetration depth of the hardface layer can differ, which may significantly alter the load-bearing cross-section of the high-strength steel and, thus, the in-service behavior of the component. In the experimental work, hardfaced samples were performed on S690QL base material using different levels of heat input, thereby producing varying penetration depths. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of penetration depth on the resistance of the hardfaced component to dynamic loading. The tests were carried out at both +20 °C and –40 °C. The results clearly demonstrated that samples with deeper penetration exhibited reduced toughness at both investigated temperatures.