May 2023 Mechanical Engineering Blog
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May 15, 2023
Futuristic Meta Material Helmet Brings About MRI Revolution
Futuristic Meta Material Helmet Brings About MRI Revolution
Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Boston University Xin Zhang won the STAT Madness 2023 All-Star Award for the development of a metamaterial helmet that makes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans safer, faster, and more accessible. The intricate looking helmet is able to absorb, bend, or manipulate different types of waves including sound waves, electromagnetic waves and radio waves. The device is also very versatile in regards to fit as it can be molded into different shapes and sizes, and it can also be placed at different orientations. The award ceremony took place at the STAT Breakthrough Summit, an event that brings together some of the best minds in the biomedical field. Attendees at the summit included field experts, investors, executives, and past STAT winners, all of which had voting power to determine the winner of the award. This medical advancement is such an incredible breakthrough that some consider it the start of an MRI revolution. Learn more here.
May 31, 2023
Toyota Explores Hydrogen Engines as an Alternative to EVs
Toyota Explores Hydrogen Engines as an Alternative to EVs
Toyota is challenging the EV craze with their new cutting-edge hydrogen powered engines. The automaker is currently testing their smaller hydrogen engine on their Corolla cross H2 concept vehicle, with plans to partner with Yamaha motors to develop a hydrogen-fueled V-8 engine. The Corolla Cross H2 uses the same 1.6 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the gasoline powered GR Corolla and GR Yaris, except the engine in the Cross H2 is optimized to use hydrogen as fuel instead of gasoline. Several upgrades were required to make the engine run on hydrogen. This included adding a heavily armored fuel tank, fuel injectors designed for gas, hardened valves and valve seats, and stronger connecting rods. As mentioned, Toyota and Yamaha will be partnering to develop the much larger Hydrogen powered 5.0-liter V8, which would also be a near exact replica of its gasoline counterpart that powers the Lexus RC coupe. Net zero emissions is a goal that various automakers are striving for and this becomes apparent as most of the biggest players in the industry have rolled out EVs in several segments. However, president of Toyota Akio Toyoda has expressed the company’s desire to explore different alternatives and thus in addition to developing their EV capabilities they are also looking at Hydrogen powered alternatives. There are various tradeoffs between EVs and Hydrogen powered vehicles and only time will tell which will end up on top. Learn more here.
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