Engineering news
Engineering firms plan carbon footprint crackdown in next three years
Professional Engineering
Three-quarters of engineering firms are looking at reducing their carbon footprint in the next three years, according to a new survey by Professional Engineering, in association with Engenera Renewables Group. Automotive and aerospace are leading the way, but the survey found that companies need more information about available funding.
Hitachi pull-out from Wylfa ‘disappointing amid increasingly obvious climate change’
Professional Engineering
The decision by Hitachi to formally withdraw from the Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station project in Wales is “disappointing”, especially as the effects of climate change become increasingly obvious, the IMechE’s chief engineer has said. Dr Jenifer Baxter made the comments on Wednesday (16 September) after Hitachi confirmed it would be withdrawing from the project, which was suspended in January last year amid rising costs.
Device to reduce tyre pollution wins James Dyson award
The Guardian
A prototype device that captures microplastic particles from tyres has won its developers a James Dyson award. The wheel-mounted tool, which uses electrostatics to collect the polluting particles, was created by a group of masters students at Imperial College London and the Royal College of Art.
European car manufacturers warn of ‘catastrophic’ no-deal Brexit
The Engineer
Car manufacturers from the UK and Europe have said “we absolutely must have an ambitious EU-UK trade agreement in place by January,” The Engineer has reported. 23 different associations, including the European Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, called on the EU and UK to secure a free trade agreement.
Boeing and FAA criticised for failures over 737 Max crashes
E&T
Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration have been criticised by a US House panel for failures that contributed to two Boeing 737 Max crashes. The crashes, which killed 346 people, were described as the ‘horrific culmination’ of failures including miscalculations, misjudgements and lapses of oversight.
IMechE’s Covid Task Force harnesses engineering ingenuity to tackle pandemic issues
Professional Engineering
The IMechE’s Covid Task Force has reported on its response to the “evolving challenges” of Covid-19. The group has harnessed engineering ingenuity to tackle key challenges, including designing and manufacturing biomedical devices, and investigating UV sanitising technology.
Loyal Wingman drone powers up
New Atlas
The Loyal Wingman unmanned aircraft from Boeing Australia and partners has fired up its engine for the first time. The drone, which will fly alongside human-piloted jets, could eventually be used for combat, surveillance and reconnaissance.
UK Space Agency targets space junk
The Engineer
The UK Space Agency has awarded £1m to seven projects to monitor and track hazardous space junk. Projects include D-Orbit UK, which is combining a sensor on a recently-launched satellite with radar techniques developed at Strathclyde University, and Lumi Space, which aims to use satellite laser ranging technology to precisely track small objects.
Hydrogen train enters service
The Engineer
The Coradia iLint hydrogen fuel cell train has entered service in Austria. Developed by French company Alstom, the iLint is the world’s first hydrogen train. It has a maximum speed of 140km/h.
Battery death prediction could boost car range and shrink packs
Professional Engineering
A new model developed by a team at Stanford University can predict the ‘true condition’ of a rechargeable battery in real-time. The algorithm, which provides greater certainty of a battery’s lifecycle, could let electric car manufacturers make the most of a pack’s capabilities. The model combines sensor data with computer modelling of the physical processes that degrade lithium-ion cells to predict remaining storage capacity and charge level.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.