Engineering news
Transparent solar cells let the light in
Professional Engineering
Skyscrapers that act as giant solar power stations have come a step closer after a research team set a new efficiency record for colour-neutral, transparent solar cells. The team, led by researchers at the University of Michigan, achieved 8.1% efficiency and 43.3% transparency with an organic design instead of conventional silicon. The cells reportedly have a slight green-grey tint, similar to sunglasses or car windows.
Awards for engineers who developed Covid-19 technologies
E&T
19 individuals and teams have received awards from the Royal Academy of Engineering for developing technology that is helping people during the coronavirus pandemic. Projects include a high-performance ventilator to be built in low and middle-income countries, and a face shield made from recycled materials.
Reaction Engines and Rolls-Royce partner on hypersonic systems
The Engineer
Hypersonic engine pioneer Reaction Engines has partnered with Rolls-Royce on the development of new supersonic and hypersonic aircraft propulsion systems. As part of the partnership, which follows two years of collaboration on defence applications, the companies will explore uses for Reaction Engines’ advanced thermal management technology.
British rocket launch paves way for orbital flights from UK
Professional Engineering
Scottish firm Skyrora has successfully launched a 4m rocket, in a vital test that paves the way for orbital launches of larger rockets from the UK. The two-stage Skylark Micro climbed to 26.86km from the company’s mobile launch complex, which was reportedly set up ‘within a few days’ at Langanes Peninsula in Iceland. The launch was part of Skyrora’s de-risking programme for its orbital Skyrora XL rocket, which is scheduled to launch in 2023.
Altitude test chamber checks batteries can survive flight
Professional Engineering
Batteries will be checked for potentially catastrophic leaking or rupturing in unpressurised aircraft cargo space in a new altitude test chamber. The facility, at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, could also test batteries for electric planes as the sector grows over the next few years. The battery altitude test chamber reduces internal air pressure to simulate altitudes up to 15,000m.
3D printer builds structure with local soil
New Atlas
Researchers at Texas A&M University have combined garden soil with materials including cellulose fibres and printed it in layers, creating small structures. The team hope it could eventually be a sustainable alternative to printing concrete.
One-way heat transfer could cool toasty aircraft systems
Professional Engineering
A new one-way heat transfer technology could offer huge improvements for thermal management of aircraft or electronics. Developed by Jonathan Boreyko, an associate professor in mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech university, the ‘planar bridging-droplet thermal diodes’ are reportedly highly efficient and extremely versatile. “We are hopeful that the one-way heat transfer of our bridging-droplet diode will enable the smart thermal management of electronics, aircraft, and spacecraft,” said Boreyko.
Bentley exploring electric drive system without rare-earth magnets
The Engineer
Bentley Motors are exploring the development of a fully-integrated electric drive system free from rare-earth magnets and copper windings. The company hopes the project, known as Octopus, could increase the performance and sustainability of future electric vehicle drives.
Mixing silk with polymers could create better biomedical implants
Professional Engineering
Implants made by combining silk with synthetic compounds could offer the best properties of both, holding bones in place after surgery or replacing cartilage in the knee. A team at Beihang University in China has successfully combined the natural and artificial materials to create strong structures – although the researchers said further work is needed before they could be implanted in humans.
Hybrid systems will give army vehicles a stealthy approach
Professional Engineering
Army vehicles will receive stealthy and sustainable upgrades following a £3m investment from the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Hybrid and electric drive systems will be tested on Foxhound and Jackal 2 vehicles. The MoD hopes the systems will provide potential military advantages by reducing noise from the vehicles.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.