April 2023 Mechanical Engineering Blog
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April 15, 2023
Mechanical Engineers Develop Self-Sustaining Energy for Space Applications
Mechanical Engineers Develop Self-Sustaining Energy for Space Applications
Mechanical engineering expert Joseph Najem will lead a team to develop soft self-sustaining power sources to be used for space applications. This novel technology was inspired by the charge-separation principle used by electric fish. Much like electric creatures of the sea, these batteries or power sources are expected to be able to move ions across selective membranes to produce high voltages of electricity. Najem notes that recent studies have demonstrated the use of hydrogel - based power sources that are capable of producing high voltages of power. However, this hydrogel technology cannot withstand the extreme conditions of space and it is not self-sustaining. Electric fish produce self-sustaining energy simply by eating; the food is the continuous power source. Researchers will also base their technology on a self-sustaining resource that is readily available in space which could be the sun or some other source. Once developed this technology will be able to power satellites, sensors, cameras, and other technologies. Learn more here.
April 30, 2023
Mechanical Engineering Advancements Bring Hope For Low Carbon Air Propulsion
Mechanical Engineering Advancements Bring Hope For Low Carbon Air Propulsion
A Partnership between University of Nottingham, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Queen’s University Belfast, and Rolls Royce brought various discoveries in mechanical engineering science. Lead partner on the project claimed that the advancements bring low carbon aircraft propulsion closer to reality. The cornerstone prosperity partnership between industry and academia in the UK is the first stage of a larger strategy. The first stage focused on advancing key areas of mechanical engineering including innovations in thermal management; electro-mechanical interactions; high power-density contacts, impact and intelligent failure management, advanced static and dynamic load management, among others. The research brought important advancements in engine safety, oil flows, and new single winding arrangements for electrical motors that allow engines to be more efficient, smaller, and greener. The first stage of the partnership has already concluded; however, leaders of the project say they are moving the partnership forward into what they are now calling the Mechanical Excellence Partnership. There are already new projects in the pipeline for the second stage including a project to increase gas turbine efficiency using zero carbon fuels such as hydrogen. Learn more here.
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