Engineering news
SpaceX Starship has explosive test flight
Space.com
A prototype of SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which is designed for flights to Mars and back, had an explosive end as it touched down too quickly following a successful test flight. The vehicle completed complex manoeuvres, including a ‘belly flop’ style move, and supplied the SpaceX team with important flight data.
Welsh start-up aims to manufacture computer chips in orbit
Professional Engineering
The UK also had some big space news this week, with a Welsh start-up receiving government funding for its plan to manufacture computer chips in orbit. Space Forge, which aims to exploit microgravity to manufacture new alloys, was one of 21 organisations to receive a share of over £7m funding for ‘high-risk, high-reward’ projects.
Utac Ceram and Millbrook announce merger
Automotive Testing Technology International
Automotive testing specialists Utac Ceram and Millbrook have announced plans to merge operations in early 2021. The merger will create a new group focused on testing technology for autonomous, connected and electric vehicles. Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire has facilities including a 5G testbed, a simulation suite for merging physical and virtual testing, and battery test chambers to help manufacturers develop and improve technology.
Flexible battery ‘is printed and ready to use within minutes’
Professional Engineering
A flexible battery for wearable technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) can be printed in seconds and ready to use within minutes, according to its developers. A team from the University of California (UC) San Diego and California company ZPower developed the rechargeable silver oxide-zinc battery. It is reportedly easier to manufacture than other flexible batteries and can be screen printed in normal laboratory conditions.
Northumberland to host battery gigaplant
The Engineer
Britishvolt will build the UK’s first ‘gigaplant’ in Blyth, Northumberland, building batteries for electric vehicles. The £2.6bn factory could create up to 3,000 highly skilled jobs by 2027, supporting 5,000 supply chain jobs elsewhere. The news was a blow for Welsh industry, however, which had expected to host the gigaplant in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Twisting fibres could enable energy-efficient cooling
Professional Engineering
Refrigeration and cooling are in increased demand around the world as climate change sets new temperature records. New, efficient technology is needed to provide that cooling in a sustainable way – and twisting fibres could hold the key.
Self-powered sensor helps soft robots get a grip
Professional Engineering
Future robots for healthcare and assistance of elderly people could wield objects with better dexterity thanks to a new soft gripper. A team at Ritsumeikan University in Japan developed the gripper, which offers tuneable stiffness and includes a self-powered piezoelectric sensor.
Orbex gets funding boost
The Engineer
Scottish rocket firm Orbex has received a funding boost of $24m following a funding round. The firm aims to start launches in 2022.
Institution welcomes Climate Change Committee's sixth Carbon Budget
IMechE
The IMechE has welcomed the “ambitious decarbonisation plan” set out in the Climate Change Committee’s sixth carbon budget. “We hope the nation will embrace this as an opportunity for growing engineering skills and economic renewal across the whole of the UK,” an institution press release said.
BAE Systems tech used in hybrid bus fleet
Buzz.ie
The BAE Systems Series-ER hybrid system has been used in a new fleet of electric hybrid buses for Dublin and Galway. The system includes a 32kWh lithium-ion battery, enabling emissions-free travel for 2.5km.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.