Engineering news
Astroscale targets two satellites for capture
Professional Engineering
A project aimed at developing capability to tackle the growing space debris problem will capture multiple defunct satellites in one mission. The Cleaning Outer Space Mission through Innovative Capture (Cosmic) project from Japanese multinational Astroscale was one of two space junk removal projects to receive funding from the government this week, alongside Swiss firm ClearSpace.
Budget R&D details questioned and Stem education a 'missed opportunity'
Process Engineering
Many people in industry will be “scratching their heads” over a lack of detail on how the government will boost R&D spending to £20bn per year, said a senior manager from business consultancy Ayming in response to the budget this week.
The budget faced criticism from organisation Engineering UK, which decried a missed opportunity to boost funding for Stem-related careers provision in schools.
Delivery drones ‘could halve freight emissions’
Professional Engineering
Commercial drones could cut carbon dioxide emissions from freight deliveries by half, a new report has found. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide “an unprecedented opportunity for the logistics industry to reduce its environmental impact”, according to the report published this week by communications firm Inmarsat and Cranfield University.
Carbon nanotube sensor detects Covid-19 in 5 minutes
Professional Engineering
A carbon nanotube-based sensor developed by MIT engineers can detect the proteins responsible for Covid-19 within minutes. Adapted for Sars-Cov-2 in just 10 days, the diagnostic technology could be modified and deployed quickly in response to other future pandemics, the researchers said.
Carbon nanotubes could protect spaceship electronics
E&T
From Covid to the cosmos – carbon nanotubes could also be very useful in spaceship electronics, according to new research, also from MIT. Transistors and circuits become more resistant to continuous heavy radiation when embedded with the tiny structures, the research found.
Daimler and BP bringing hydrogen lorries to the UK
The Engineer
Daimler Truck has announced plans to provide hydrogen fuel cell lorries in the UK from 2025. The plan is part of a memorandum of understanding with BP, which will assess the feasibility of introducing 25 ‘green’ hydrogen refuelling stations in the UK by 2030.
‘Smart’ bandage tracks wound healing and transmits information
Professional Engineering
A new ‘smart’ bandage can sensitively measure moisture levels and transmit that data to a smartphone, providing doctors with vital information about how a wound is healing – without removing the bandage. Developed by researchers at the University of Bologna in Italy, the technology could help doctors monitor wounds more efficiently and successfully.
Half of councils not installing electric vehicle charge points
E&T
Over half (52%) of councils have spent nothing on the installation of electric vehicle chargers in the last 12 months, according to Freedom of Information requests made by charge point firm DevicePilot. Investment levels vary across the country, with London councils spending more than double the national average.
Liberty Steel starts overnight production at Rotherham Greensteel plant
Professional Engineering
Liberty Steel UK has restarted production at its Greensteel plant in Rotherham, Yorkshire. The plant, which uses an electric arc furnace and is amongst the UK’s most electro-intensive industrial sites, will operate at night to maximise efficiency and mitigate high energy costs.
Micro-scale 3D printing creates ‘super-strong’ titanium alloy
Professional Engineering
A team of researchers have used micro-scale 3D printing to create a new ‘super-strong, highly ductile and super-light' titanium-based alloy. The team, from City University of Hong Kong (CityU), said the research could lead to more alloys with ‘unprecedented’ structures and properties suitable for structural applications.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.