DIDCOT, UK — The RG Metals Research Group, Mechanical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, Sebelas Maret University (UNS), has once again achieved a proud international accomplishment through a research collaboration with the ISIS Neutron Source in Didcot, UK, one of the world’s best neutron research facilities. This collaboration successfully secured funding from United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for the implementation of advanced neutron-based material research.
The RG Metals research team involved in this activity consists of Triyono, Eko Prasetya Budiana, Rahman Wijaya, and Rauuf Nur Fattah. This research focuses on an advanced study of the One-Step Double-Acting Friction Stir Welding (ODFSW) process, an advanced welding method with broad potential applications in the manufacturing industry and materials engineering.
Under the UKRI–STFC funding, two RG Metals research proposals were accepted and received full funding support. The first proposal, titled Characterization of Material Flow-Induced Severe Plastic Deformation in Double-Acting Friction Stir Welding Using Neutron Imaging, aims to examine material flow characteristics and severe plastic deformation phenomena occurring during the ODFSW process using neutron imaging techniques.
The second proposal is Neutron Diffraction Analysis of Residual Stress in Double-Acting Friction Stir Welded Aluminum Alloy AA1100, which focuses on the analysis of residual stress distribution in ODFSW-processed aluminum alloy AA1100 utilizing the neutron diffraction method.
The research activity takes place from November 26 to December 11, 2025, and is conducted directly at the ISIS Neutron Source facility, Didcot, UK. Funding is provided under an at cost scheme covering research costs of £119,000, accommodation worth £6,000, and an allowance of £1,000. Additionally, the funding covers round-trip Solo–London flight tickets, insurance, local transport, visa fees, and meals.
This funding serves as international recognition of the quality of research developed by RG Metals and strengthens the research cooperation network between institutions in Indonesia and the UK.
The Head of RG Metals, Triyono, expressed appreciation for the success in securing this international funding. “Alhamdulillah, our two proposals were funded. We hope this achievement can have a positive impact on the development of manufacturing research in our RG specifically and Sebelas Maret University in general. We hope this success can serve as motivation to continue competing in the coming years, including securing other international grants such as JSPS and Erasmus Mundus,” he said.
This achievement is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of science and materials technology, particularly in understanding plastic deformation mechanisms and residual stress in advanced welding processes. Furthermore, this success is also expected to enhance institutional reputation and encourage the strengthening of sustainable international research collaborations. RG Metals is committed to continuously developing excellent research, increasing internationally reputed publications, and actively contributing to the development of science and technology at the global level.
