Fri, Oct 25, 2019
In the metal 3D printing process lasers essentially weld metallic powder into a mechanical part. The process permits the creation of parts, particularly hollow parts, that would otherwise have to be assembled from multiple parts. But, as of now it's not a manufacturing ready technology because the parts suffer from metal fatigue and scale up requires the purchase of more machines rather than just raw materials.
Fri, May 8, 2020
5G cellphone transmission uses a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is troublesome for data transmission because something as common as rain will interfere with it. Here is an explanation of how it differs from the previsions generations and what is being done so it will work.
Fri, Jul 17, 2020
Space elevators dwell in the realm between science fiction and the science of possibility. The concept has been studied enough to understand the basic design and construction concepts. But it would require a very strong yet light weight cable. Carbon composites are now (2021) the best available candidate but the economics are doubtful. And that is just one of the engineering challenges.
Fri, Oct 9, 2020
To exploit the D-Day landings and advance into the continent the allies required massive quantities of vehicles, equipment, munitions, fuel and supplies. The allies did not believe they could rely solely on beach landings to off load this materiel until a deep water port could be captured. So they determined to build their own deep water harbor off the coast of the Normandy beaches within a week or two after D-day.
Fri, Jan 22, 2021
NASA's AD-1 scissor wing experimental airplane incorporated a single rotating swept wing with a pivot at the top of the fuselage. The swept configuration allowed the plane to take maximum advantage of the Whitcomb Area Rule. But the advantages were outweighed by challenges with aerodynamic stability.
Fri, Oct 8, 2021
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has a host of technological aircraft and engine technologies the substantially reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency enabling it to fly over 16,000 miles non-stop from Tahiti to Paris. The focus here is on the GE engine which is substantially more efficient, less polluting and quieter than any over engine in production.