Engineering news
Mars transport prototype makes first flight
The Verge
In second major achievement for SpaceX this week, the company successfully tested a prototype rocket that could one day transport people to Mars. The unique-looking Starship used one engine to fly 150m up – the final version is designed to have six. The test came just two days after astronauts returned to Earth in the company’s Crew Dragon capsule.
3D printing and injection moulding combined
Professional Engineering
A researcher at the University of Massachusetts Lowell has combined elements of 3D printing and injection moulding in a new process known as ‘injection printing’. The technique uses material extrusion of outer surfaces of parts at fine resolution, with injection moulding of larger interior cavities at high flow rates. The combination reportedly increases the production rate of 3D printing while enhancing the strength and properties of the resulting products.
Virgin Galactic unveils supersonic commercial jet
New Atlas
Virgin Galactic has revealed a concept for a commercial jet designed to fly at Mach 3. The delta-wing style aircraft will reportedly carry up to 19 passengers. Rolls-Royce has joined the project to design and develop the engines.
Gordon Murray reveals ‘greatest analogue driver's car’
The Engineer
Veteran automotive designer Gordon Murray has revealed his company’s £2.36m T.50 supercar, describing it as the “greatest analogue driver’s car”. The 986kg vehicle includes a 3.9l V12 Cosworth engine, a rear-mounted fan to accelerate air passing under the car and a central driving position.
A new type of nuclear power
Energy Live News
Jacobs will work with Moltex Energy to develop a new type of nuclear power. Known as the Stable Salt Reactor, it is designed to burn used fuel pellets that would otherwise become radioactive waste. Jacobs is building an experimental facility to test thermal transfer.
Car industry faces £20bn losses this year
Professional Engineering
The UK car industry faces £20bn in lost sales this year as the sector struggles with fall-out from the Covid-19 pandemic. While new car registrations increased by 11.3% in July as dealerships made the most of pent-up demand and special offers, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) predicted that overall sales will be down 30% this year.
Firefighting drone takes off
New Atlas
Chinese firm EHang has demonstrated a firefighting version of its autonomous flying vehicle. The flying taxi-style craft – other configurations can carry two people – was loaded with 150l of foam and six ‘extinguisher bombs’ to tackle high-rise blazes.
UK ‘lacks hydrogen strategy for zero-carbon future’
E&T
The UK lacks a clear vision for hydrogen’s role in helping achieve ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050, a group of MPs has claimed. Philip Dunne, chairman of Environmental Audit Committee, highlighted the European Commission’s hydrogen strategy and said hydrogen could end reliance on “dirty fuels”.
Offshore wind set for global boom
Energy Live News
Offshore wind capacity around the world is set to boom in the coming years, according to the Global Wind Energy Council. Significant growth in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see capacity reach 234GW by 2030, up from 29.1GW today.
JLR fights motion sickness with autonomous car tech
Professional Engineering
Motion sickness could be a major issue for autonomous vehicles, as occupants are expected to take advantage of hands-free travelling by reading, watching screens or working. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has set out to tackle the problem with new autonomous software, designed to reduce motion sickness by adapting vehicle driving style. Using the new system, acceleration, braking and lane positioning – all contributory factors to motion sickness – can be optimised to avoid inducing nausea in passengers.
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