The Engineer articles from November 2005

The Engineer archives from November 2005

Comment: More than technology for technology's sake.
November 14, 2005... Ahead of his recent visit to the US Prince Charles trotted out the somewhat tired, but occasionally persuasive argument that technology, far from being our slave, has become our master. The Prince is not alone. Many claim that the unchecked...

Venus flyer to trap planetary data.
November 14, 2005... ESA launches spacecraft to investigate Venus's atmosphere Europe's first space mission to Venus was successfully launched last Wednesday to begin its five-month journey to study Earth's closest neighbour. ESA's Venus Express spacecraft...

Boeing goes the distance.
November 14, 2005... Boeing made aviation history last Thursday when the 777-200LR Worldliner, an aircraft said to be capable of connecting any two cities, landed in London, after having flown eastbound non-stop from Hong Kong. With a full fuel load, 35...

Heathrow to become taxi haven in 2008.
November 14, 2005... BAA is to trial a driverless taxi system for passengers at Heathrow Airport. Urban Light Transport (ULTra), designed by University of Bristol spin-out company Advanced Transport Systems (ATS), will offer personal transport with 'no waiting...

IN BRIEF: US UAV goes Prospecting.
November 14, 2005... A lightweight, fast-response UAV whose capabilities can be tailored for each mission is being developed for the US Army. The Prospector features sensor packages and cameras that can be slotted into the unit's nose before it flies. If a system...

IN BRIEF: Suck it and see your children's ear infection getting better.
November 14, 2005... A plastic drinking straw containing flavourless microencapsulated drug granules could make it easier to persuade young children to take medicine. The device, developed by German company Grunenthal, features a controller made of porous plastic...

IN BRIEF: Service stations won't have the foggiest about fuel emissions.
November 14, 2005... Large petrol service stations could be fitted with fume control equipment in a bid to halve emissions. Evaporated fuel escapes into the atmosphere as motorists fill up, and DEFRA has proposed that Petrol Recovery stage II controls are deployed...

Lab on the beat.
November 14, 2005... Micro-fluidics could simplify and reduce DNA sample analysis time A portable DNA device that promises to dramatically reduce the amount of time spent analysing crime scenes is expected to begin government Forensic Science Service trials...

Glowing with the flow.
November 14, 2005... Fluorescent 'tags' aim to speed up DNA search Efforts to provide forensic scientists with technology for speedy sample analysis will be warmly welcomed by the UK's crime-fighters, but one of the biggest challenges is actually finding the...

Hole new approach.
November 14, 2005... MRI scanning technology could hold the key to extracting more oil from porous rock Techniques borrowed from the medical imaging industry could help salvage the huge amount of oil that is currently being left in disused wells, claim UK...

Spinning top joins the generation game.
November 14, 2005... A highly unusual generator that creates tornadoes and uses them to generate electricity could make valuable use of waste heat from power plants, according to its inventor. The atmospheric vortex engine (AVE), developed by Canadian engineer...

Energetic future.
November 14, 2005... As oil and gas prices soar, UK launches a major initiative to address energy challenges of next 50 years London's Imperial College has launched a multi-million-pound initiative to predict and address the energy challenges of the next 50...

Sense of security.
November 14, 2005... Body temperature holds key to non-harmful detection of objects concealed under clothing Technology originally developed for space communication projects may soon be used by UK security forces to detect concealed weapons at airports or...

Pharmaceutical industry gives itself breathalyser test.
November 14, 2005... A UK-developed optical instrument could vastly reduce the amount of time the pharmaceutical industry spends on R&D. The VariDose, built by Cambridge Consultants for VariDose, a Loughborough University spin-out company, is expected to speed up...

Cold-hearted treatment.
November 14, 2005... Ice injection aims to help medics restore patients' normal blood flow and reduce brain damage A specially-engineered ice slurry could be used to cool the brain and major organs, delaying cell death and giving doctors and paramedics more...

Injured athletes brace themselves for action.
November 14, 2005... A composite brace that could allow sports players to continue competing despite injuries - including broken or fractured bones - has been designed by researchers at Virginia Tech University in the US. Any conditions that could benefit...

Slip not.
November 14, 2005... Japanese launch intelligent tyre sensor in a bid to improve road safety by detecting sideslip Japanese Engineers have developed an intelligent tyre sensor that they claim can detect cars sideslipping more quickly than any other...

A breath of fresh air.
November 14, 2005... An innovative air-conditioning system could improve air quality and energy efficiency in the home, its UK developer claims. Designed at Cambridge University's Martin Centre for Architectural and Urban Studies, the Dwell-Vent system...

FOCUS: Home truths.
November 14, 2005... Smart home developers have finally got smart to the fact that consumers don't want devices that you need a PhD to operate but houses with clever user-friendly technology. Niall Firth reports The vision of the 21st-century smart home,...

BUSINESS: Safety net.
November 14, 2005... Mobile phone giant O2 lends technology to provide back-up for UK's emergency services A contract to develop a back-up communication system for the UK's emergency services has been announced by O2. The UK mobile phone giant, currently...

BUSINESS: Qinetiq goes on an intelligence mission.
November 14, 2005... UK-US companies collaborate to develop special defence programmes Qinetiq has announced that it is joining forces with US company L3 Communications on the development of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance...

BUSINESS: CDT raises the stakes.
November 14, 2005... Emissions specialist boosts vehicle pollution fight with #3m warchest International engine emissions specialist Clean Diesel Technology has announced a fresh injection of funding for research that could put it at the heart of European...

BUSINESS: Successful diagnosis.
November 14, 2005... Osmetech's new product launches help boost positive results Following successful product launches in the healthcare diagnostics market, the latest trading statement from London-based diagnostics group Osmetech makes positive reading. ...

VIEWPOINT: Taking the initiative.
November 14, 2005... In our last issue Justin Hayward outlined how the UK's high value manufacturers needed top-level help to guarantee growth and success. Here, Barry Gardiner sets out the government's funding strategy for SMEs Innovation is key to the...

Letter - TALKING POINT: More heat is not cool.
November 14, 2005... If you heat up the earth under its ever-growing CO2 blanket, it will get hotter still (A trip to Fusion Island, Focus, 31 October). This is basic thermodynamics. So it is madness to put in any effort, let alone infrastructure into fusion (or...

Letter: Energy balancing act.(Letter to the Editor)
November 14, 2005... The debate about 'keeping the lights on' has never been as high on the agenda as now, but all too often it has been conducted in black and white terms. Nuclear energy is talked of as the solution to future requirements, or as an evil....

Letter: Guns or food?(Letter to the Editor)
November 14, 2005... It is depressing to read how much money and intellect has been used on developing electromagnetic guns (Feature, 31 October). Michael Hinton makes spending another #1bn on making an EM gun a reality sound like a good thing. What about when...

Letter: Users not developers.(Letter to the Editor)
November 14, 2005... The article on skyscrapers 'High technology' (Feature, October 17) gave the strong impression that I was claiming the STEPS people movement software was an Arup product. In fact Mott MacDonald are the developers and we are simply users....

PERSONAL MOBILITY: Travelling light.
November 14, 2005... With our roads and public transport systems increasingly congested, has the time come for a new era of personal transportation? Dan Thisdell reports Anyone regularly suffering the horrors of travel in our congested cities would be...

INTERVIEW - DR ALAN DICKINSON: A clearer outlook.
November 14, 2005... Dr Alan Dickinson, head of the Met Office's technology department, is forecasting a new generation of equipment that will revolutionise weather prediction. Jon Excell reports It's a thankless task being a weatherman. While an accurate...

DESIGN ENGINEERING: The heat is on.
November 14, 2005... With the EU's Energy Performance Directive due to come into force in January, engineers are looking at technologies that can minimise the use of energy for systems within buildings. Stuart Nathan explains Environmental technologies are...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - CFD: Walking on air.
November 14, 2005... A breakthrough in 3D CFD visualisation allows engineers to see in real- time complex graphical displays, such as airflow around cities and shockwaves forming on aircraft. Stuart Nathan explains Working in 3D is increasingly becoming a...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - SOFTWARE: Joined up thinking.
November 14, 2005... After years of 'separate-function' demarcation in CFD and FEA, software designers have got together for systems to suit both the specialist and non-specialist. Charles Clarke examines recent developments Like many technical fields we are...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - FASTENINGS: Fixed ideas.
November 14, 2005... The car industry is constantly seeking faster, more cost-effective fastening solutions to replace traditional welding and riveting. Mark Venables explains some of the techniques that are on the market The CAR industry is renowned for its...

Comment: Adding power to the nuclear argument.
November 28, 2005... Whatever your view of Tony Blair as he enters his final phase as prime minister, he just might have performed one of his biggest single services to the nation. He did this by putting on public record his view that nuclear energy is a...

Playing a blinder for telematics.
November 28, 2005... General Motors launches system to help drivers see vehicles in their blind spot An advanced low-cost telematics system that enables cars to precisely detect the position and movement of other vehicles has been demonstrated by General...

Ioning the dirty laundry.
November 28, 2005... A waterless washing machine that uses negative ions, compressed air and deodorants to clean clothes has won the 2005 Electrolux Design Lab Award. The household appliance manufacturer's annual competition challenges students worldwide to...

BAE sees infrared to combat terrorist threat.
November 28, 2005... BAE Systems has unveiled its Jeteye air missile defence system. Jeteye is designed to protect commercial airliners against the threat of terrorist attacks with infrared guided missiles, and is based on the Advanced Threat Infrared...

IN BRIEF: Eye to the future of passports.
November 28, 2005... Iris scanning technology could become more accurate thanks to computer algorithms developed at the University of Bath. The system, which is said to outperform the industry standard, uses a digital image of a subject's eye to create a unique...

IN BRIEF: UAVs take to the air down under.
November 28, 2005... BAE Systems is to build an #18m global hub for UAV design, development and testing in Australia. The government of the state of Victoria, where the centre will be based, is also contributing money to the project. As well as military...

IN BRIEF: The wheels on train cease to go round and round on test track.
November 28, 2005... Britain's only railway test track at Asfordsby in the Midlands is to close in January, despite the government being offered use of the facility free of charge by its operator, Alstom. The Department of Transport would only have had to pay...

News: High fibre.
November 28, 2005... Dual technology material could lead to 'intelligent' aircraft structures with built-in diagnostics A fibre-metal laminate currently under development could herald an era of 'intelligent' aircraft structures that need fewer mechanical...

Drugalyser targets drivers.
November 28, 2005... The Home Office has unveiled new drug-testing systems as the first examples of an initiative to design technology that reflects society's ever-changing patterns of offending. The Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB), which has...

Collision course.
November 28, 2005... ESA's Don Quixote mission aims to test the technology possible to deflect an Earth-bound asteroid The European Space Agency has unveiled details of the advanced engineering needed to meet one of space technology's ultimate challenges -...

News: Sharper shooters.
November 28, 2005... German researchers develop sensor technology to remove image blur from digital photography Sensor technology first developed for the automotive sector could improve the performance of digital cameras by removing motion blurring from...

Shedding light on car damage detection systems.
November 28, 2005... US engineers claim they have developed a method to analyse the performance of individual car components which could lead to lighter, more durable suspension systems. The process could not only help initial suspension design, but also...

Playing sonar by ear.
November 28, 2005... British Geological Survey study could make the UK world leader in bio- acoustics A multimillion-pound project led by the British Geological Survey plans to develop new sonar technology with engineering applications ranging from medicine...

Making laser work of silicon.
November 28, 2005... A technique that forces silicon to emit laser light could form a key component of a new generation of optical computers, according to US researchers. Conventional wisdom says that it should be impossible for silicon to act as a laser. But...

News: Brain map.
November 28, 2005... 3D imaging system claimed to make brain surgery safer and quicker Biomedical engineers have developed a 3D imaging technique that is claimed to reduce the time and risk involved in brain surgery. The US team used image processing...

Getting to the feet of the matter.
November 28, 2005... A UK researcher has developed a handheld scanner that is claimed to enable early detection of vascular disease. Blood-flow problems resulting from blocked arteries in the feet is one of the early symptoms of vascular disease that can be...

Swarming into space.
November 28, 2005... EADS Astrium to build satellite systems in the UK for ESA mission UK engineers are to develop key systems for a major European space project that aims to place satellites in formation above the Earth. European group EADS Astrium has been...

FOCUS: University challenge.
November 28, 2005... A survey of venture capital firms highlights how far university spin- outs lag behind their corporate counterparts when it comes to gaining finance. But, asks Christopher Sell, how can they close the gap? It has become an article of faith...

BUSINESS: TRL goes State-side.
November 28, 2005... UK defence group wins first contract with US and enjoys increased Mod orders TRL Electronics has broken into the international market for electronic counter measures (ECM) equipment with its first US order. The defence electronics...

BUSINESS: Pipehawk recovers and develops new buried treasure.
November 28, 2005... UK underground mapping technology specialist Pipehawk fought back from a poor 2004 to achieve a record turnover of almost #1.5m. The Hampshire company develops ground-probing radar (GPR) systems to pinpoint in real-time the position and...

Letter: Don't knock physics.(Letter to the Editor)
November 28, 2005... Recent press reports would have us believe that physics is in imminent danger of dying out in schools due to the lack of tutors willing or able to teach the subject. Apparently both teachers and pupils see the subject as too difficult. I...

Letter: Less able with cable.(Letter to the Editor)
November 28, 2005... Am I the only person who has difficulties with SCART connectors? Earlier versions that I encountered had only a few conductors in the cable attached to the connector, so everything seemed to work reasonably well. Now that I have the...

Letter - TALKING POINT: Laser weapons will show us the way.
November 28, 2005... Your article 'Hot shot' (Feature, 31 October) about the development of electromagnetic weapons was very interesting, but I felt that it rather lacked some points. The scientist leading the project talked about one of the biggest advances...

Letter - TALKING POINT: Wild goose chase?
November 28, 2005... The research into electromagnetic weapons outlined in your article (Feature, 31 October) sounds very interesting for those involved. But it seems to me that the Americans have abandoned their work in the area, and even your expert admitted...

NEUTRINO DETECTOR: Breaking the ice.
November 28, 2005... Deep within Antarctica's inhospitable ice, engineers aim to build an observatory to detect neutrinos, or high-energy particles that could explain many of the universe's secrets such as black holes. Niall Firth reports Antarctica. An icy...

INTERVIEW - DR DOUGAL GOODMAN: Cold calling.
November 28, 2005... Ice is a subject close to the heart of Dr Dougal Goodman - and understanding its mechanical properties is becoming increasingly important, he told Jon Excell The polar regions present engineers working there with a series of unique...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING: Twist control.
November 28, 2005... UK engineers borrow from the body's internal geometry in move which could reduce damage in oil pipelines and cut energy costs on drilling platforms. Stuart Nathan reports A reduction in damage to gas and oil pipelines, and a smoother flow...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - WELDING: Water works.
November 28, 2005... Breakthrough technology means high-strength, low-alloy steels could be successfully welded underwater on ships, pipelines, oil rigs and jetties. Stuart Nathan Welding high-strength steels is never a simple task. But welding underwater, or...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - HANDLING: Clean breakthrough.
November 28, 2005... An increase in the size of semiconductor devices has prompted fab designers to take a bold new approach to higher specification handling. Charles Masi explains A revolution in cleanroom technology for wafers up to 200mm diameter was...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - MARKETING: Structured thinking.
November 28, 2005... US machine vision technology developer adapts standard 2D barcoding system to detect early signs of fatigue in highly-stressed structural components. Charles Masi reports Engineers have learned much about how metal fatigues, and the limits...

PRODUCT DESIGN: Hydrobike.
November 28, 2005... The fuel cell has come of age with the manufacture of the first hydrogen-powered motorbike. Stuart Nathan reports on its development, from brainstorming to production Fuel cell vehicles are becoming a reality, with trials of fuel cell-...

PRODUCT DESIGN: Good Sports.
November 28, 2005... A new generation of sports gear protects players from knocks and blows with an impact-absorbing elastomeric material. Stuart Nathan reports When Jerzy Dudek, Poland's goalkeeper, runs out on to the pitch for next year's World Cup...

PRODUCT DESIGN: Sweet test for diabetics.
November 28, 2005... Medical devices are the ultimate design challenge. Not only must they be super-efficient and meet rigorous regulations, they now have to be attractive too. Stuart Nathan reports Design forms the bridge between technology and usability,...

PRODUCT DESIGN: Pack up your back troubles.
November 28, 2005... Qinetiq and Berghaus have joined forces to develop a rucksack that flexes to the body so that carrying the heaviest of loads doesn't have to be a pain in the neck. Colin Carter reports My first rucksack looked as if someone had taken one...