Engineering news
Albatross inspires 'flapping' Airbus wings
Aerospace Manufacturing
Airbus has unveiled a remote-controlled demonstrator aeroplane with flapping wing-tips. The 'semi-aeroelastic hinges' are designed to reduce drag and wing weight, and to relieve the effects of turbulence and gusts of wind. The flapping wing-tips could make up a third of the total wing length when deployed in full-scale aircraft.
No more leaves on the line
Professional Engineering
The Department for Transport has awarded between £250,000 and £350,000 to 24 projects developing systems and technology to make the rail network “more efficient, greener and cleaner”. Promising schemes include a technology to remove wet, slippery leaves from the track and testing of a hydrogen-fuelled train.
Final coal?
The Guardian
Yet another of the UK's coal-fired power stations will close next year, reducing the number of operating plants to just five. Mild temperatures and strong winds reduced demand for coal during winter. Gas equated for 42% of electricity provided.
Foiling the space debris problem
New Atlas
The University Carlos III of Madrid and partners have proposed the latest potential solution for de-orbiting satellites to prevent a future increase in space debris – a very thin, very long strip of aluminium tape. The tape would be deployed from spacecraft at the end of missions, using a thermionic coating to absorb sunlight, convert it to electricity and power electric thrusters towards Earth.
'Humans can't go near it': Extreme Robotics Lab could solve nuclear waste problem
Professional Engineering
The University of Birmingham-led National Centre for Nuclear Robotics (NCNR) has launched the Extreme Robotics Lab, a new £3 million facility to improve the expensive, time-consuming and extremely dangerous process of nuclear clean-up. To reduce human risk, increase efficiency and tackle previously untouchable waste, roughly 20 researchers are developing technology including robotic vision, self-healing electronics, autonomous navigation and human-robot interfaces.
'Green' rocket fuel?
E&T
NASA is set to test a new rocket fuel that is less toxic and reportedly offers 50% better performance than popular fuel hydrazine. Fewer handling restrictions could reduce time needed to prepare launches. Washington State's Aerojet Rocketdyne developed a propulsion system to use the new fuel, known as Green Propellant Infusion.
£23m battery tech investment charges government's 'net zero' ambitions
Professional Engineering
The government is investing £23m in the development of new battery technology, including AI integration in battery manufacture and lithium mining beneath Cornwall. The funding was announced on the same day as outgoing prime minister Theresa May’s legally binding pledge for the UK to meet ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050. Recipients of the Faraday Battery Challenge include mining consultancy firm Wardell Armstrong, which will work with experts at the Natural History Museum and mining firm Cornish Lithium to study the possibility of developing a British supply of lithium.
'Artificial muscles' to aid mobility
The Engineer
Researchers at the University of Bristol are developing wearable devices that act like 'artificial muscles' to help elderly and disabled people move with more freedom. The Freehab project will use a variety of materials and techniques to create a range of devices.
£76m to boost university research
IMechE
IMechE head of engineering Dr Jenifer Baxter welcomed a £76m boost to capacity and quality of research at English universities. “This funding provides a welcome impetus to develop new knowledge, technologies and skills that will enable scientists and engineers to overcome some of the biggest global challenges facing us today and in the future," she said.
Drone lends a hand
New Atlas
Ever wanted a drone to carry your shopping or pop back home to grab something you forgot? Youbionics has brought that possibility closer with the release of files to build its 'Drone for Handy'. The UAV has a pair of mounted bionic hands, capable of a pat on the head or maybe even taking the dog for a stroll.
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.