Engineering news
Consortium reveals small modular reactor (SMR) design
The Engineer
The UK SMR consortium has revealed its vision for the future of nuclear energy. The group, led by Rolls-Royce, unveiled the design of its factory-built nuclear power plant this week. Consultancy Atkins led the design for the station, which would be assembled on-site. The consortium aims to build a fleet of SMRs around the country to contribute to ‘net zero’ aims.
Simple hydrogen engine could beat fuel cells
New Atlas
Israeli firm Aquarius Engines unveiled its single-piston hydrogen engine this week. The company hopes that the 10kg engine, which has only one moving part and is reportedly very low maintenance, could be a lower cost alternative to hydrogen fuel cells.
Science Museum exhibition shows carbon capture potential
Professional Engineering
A new Science Museum exhibition showcasing carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) technology and applications opened on Wednesday (19 May). Exhibits such as Klaus Lackner’s Mechanical Tree, which absorbs carbon dioxide with rows of filters, show how CCUS could help fight climate change.
3D imaging nuclear detector ‘could help prevent acts of terrorism’
Professional Engineering
Scanning technology aimed at detecting small amounts of nuclear materials could help prevent acts of terrorism, its developers have said. The Neutron-Gamma Emission Tomography (NGET) system was developed at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden. The technology uses a form of tomography to enable quick 3D imaging of the source of neutron and gamma ray emissions.
Growth forecast for small and medium-sized manufacturers
The Engineer
More than half (54%) of small and medium-sized manufacturers expect to recruit new staff to help meet a predicted rise in sales, according to the latest Manufacturing Barometer. The report, by the South West Manufacturing Advisory Service and the Manufacturing Growth Programme, found that just under half (48%) of surveyed companies expect to return to or exceed their pre-pandemic position in the next three months.
3D-printed exoskeleton offers disabled children a helping hand
Professional Engineering
Dr Matt Dickinson at the University of Central Lancashire has developed a 3D-printed exoskeleton that could offer disabled children increased mobility and strength by supporting the upper body. The exoskeleton, which is being tested at Tinius Olsen, has also attracted attention for its potential use as muscular support for astronauts.
European partners plan fighter jet demonstration
Aerospace Manufacturing
A sixth-generation fighter jet demonstrator will take its first flight before the end of 2027, according to the European partners behind the Future Combat Air System. The system, being developed by France, Germany and Spain, will also include swarming drones.
Process converts plastic to jet fuel in one hour
Professional Engineering
Waste plastic has been converted to jet fuel and other useful products within an hour thanks to a new technique. Researchers at Washington State University developed the method, which they said makes it easier and more cost-effective to reuse plastics. The researchers converted 90% of plastic to jet fuel and other valuable hydrocarbons at ‘moderate’ temperatures.
Floating wind turbines planned off Cornish coast
The Engineer
Swedish firm Hexicon will deploy its twin turbine floating platforms in a 30-40MW wind farm off the coast of Cornwall. The Wave Hub farm, 16km north of St Ives, could be operational by 2025.
Volvo shares autonomous vehicle research data
Professional Engineering
Volvo and partner Luminar Technologies have shared research data from long-range lidar testing. The dataset could help bring further advances to autonomous vehicle development.
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