The Engineer articles from October 2008

The Engineer archives from October 2008

COMMENT: Talking shop.
October 13, 2008... We at The Engineer like to think that a roving brief covering everything from computer chips to aircraft carriers gives us a pretty good grasp of the wider concerns facing those working in the UK engineering sectors. The familiar,...

NEWS: Magnetic touch.
October 13, 2008... Germanium nanowire technology could revolutionise transistors The principles governing increases in computing power could be sustained into the foreseeable future thanks to UK-based research that is applying advanced metallurgical...

NEWS: Quantum feat.
October 13, 2008... Faster calculations promised with help of nanomagnet Physicists plan to use quantum dots to build computers that can complete difficult calculations much faster than today's machines. Their success will hinge on the ability to create a...

NEWS: Top gear.
October 13, 2008... Consortium aims to develop brushless magnetic drives for construction and commercial vehicles Sheffield University spin-out Magnomatics, which develops novel high- torque magnetic gearboxes, motors and generators, is leading a consortium...

NEWS: Bovine breathalyser.
October 13, 2008... Hand-held device to help check animals for signs of foot and mouth infection A breathalyser for livestock is being developed to detect foot and mouth, the virus that ravaged UK farming in 2001. Optical sensors to reveal the presence of...

NEWS: Steady progress.
October 13, 2008... Hands-free, robotic camera holder aims to make keyhole surgery safer and easier Surgeons may be able to perform keyhole surgery with greater ease thanks to a hands-free camera holder that can zoom and search inside a patient's abdomen....

NEWS: Stress factor.
October 13, 2008... Ultra-thin foils containing optical links may help monitor patients' heart rates and check aircraft for signs of stress A product that could monitor stresses on aircraft or a patient's vital signs has been developed by Belgian researchers...

NEWS: Targeted delivery.
October 13, 2008... Microbubble treatment is claimed to take anti-cancer drugs only where they are needed A new minimally invasive procedure that attacks cancerous cells only at the site of diseased tissue is claimed to cause patients fewer ill effects....

NEWS: Molecule test.
October 13, 2008... Biosensor uses technology that could detect tumours and MS more efficiently Researchers have developed a biosensor that uses antibodies to detect molecules in the body's fluids, so often indicative of disease. The Leeds University...

NEWS: Key to improved communications.
October 13, 2008... What is claimed to be the first commercial communication network using unbreakable encryption has been demonstrated in Vienna by a team from Bristol University and 40 other European institutions. The technology is based on quantum...

VIEWPOINT: Winning formula.
October 13, 2008... F1's hi-tech future will call for a new generation of engineering drivers, says Tony Purnell Formula One is set to change. Gone will be the V8-19,000-most-power-you- can-get-from-a-fixed-displacement motor, and in its place will be a...

LETTER: Look East.(Letter to the editor)
October 13, 2008... In answer to your article 'No place for a space race' (Online leader, 1 October) China does not seem to let the cost factor influence what it does. The country's mixture of socialism with a sprinkling of capitalism seems to complement...

LETTER: Lesson to learn.(Letter to the editor)
October 13, 2008... Your leader 'Follow the French' (Comment, September 29) implied we have technical lessons to learn from EDF nuclear. in fact, we invented steam power, we introduced the steam turbine and the first nuclear power station. Your picture...

LETTER: From the Greens.(Letter to the editor)
October 13, 2008... Those who fear the UK might suffer electricity blackouts (Letters, passim) would do well to understand how this might come about. In recent years the Green lobby has successfully blocked the inclusion of nuclear power in government energy...

LETTER: Vertical thinking.(Letter to the editor)
October 13, 2008... The wind turbine in your story 'Whisker with a whisper' (News, 29 September) is a great idea, but as the rotor is almost spherical why not give it a vertical axis and avoid the complexity of providing alignment with the wind? R Honnor,...

LETTER: Gloves are off.(Letter to the editor)
October 13, 2008... Regarding C Ireland's comments on hospital infections in 'Come Clean' (Talking Point, 29 September) a major issue from my industrial days is the correct use of gloves. They are great for protecting the wearer, but he or she then invariably...

LETTER: Energy reaction.(Letter to the editor)
October 13, 2008... Our online leader 'Reactors to speed' discussed British Energy's takeover by French utility EDF, and all the implications the move holds for the future of nuclear reactors in the UK. Here is a selection of your emails. Great article to...

SUB-SEA LINK: Dutch connection.
October 13, 2008... As the threat of blackouts looms, a project to link the UK and the Dutch national grids could point the way to greater energy security. Jon Excell reports As the nights draw in and the economic crisis bites, some in the UK energy industry...

SUB-SEA LINK: How UK could benefit from Norway link.
October 13, 2008... Many of the Dutch engineers working on BritNed come fresh from the NorNed project. The longest submarine electricity interconnector in the world, this 580km power link, which could cover half of Amsterdam's or Oslo's annual energy...

YOUGOV SURVEY: Frontline views.(Survey)
October 13, 2008... A survey of engineers commissioned by The Engineer reveals how the UK profession judges its readiness to face the future. Berenice Baker reports A new report into the concerns and aspirations of UK engineers provides some valuable...

INSIGHT: Eye on the road.
October 13, 2008... New automatic braking technology fitted to Volvo's latest SUV promises to avoid low-speed collisions. Berenice Baker reports If Volvo's marketing people are to be believed, the front seat of the company's new SUV, the XC60, might just be...

INTERVIEW: Bright spark.(Interview)
October 13, 2008... According to synchrotron boss Prof Trevor Rayment, 'Big Physics' and the real world don't have to be strangers. Jon Excell reports When, on the eve of 'Big Bang Day', former UK chief scientist Sir David King called for a re-evaluation of...

DESIGN ENGINEERING: Coast guard.
October 13, 2008... UK collaboration develops technology that could save lives by gathering and wirelessly transmitting coastal erosion data from beneath the sea. Siobhan Wagner reports A new sensor communication system that directly transmits data from...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - WATER PURIFICATION: Thirst in space.
October 13, 2008... As the UK provides ISS crew with clean-water tank linings, NASA develops a liquid waste recovery system. Siobhan Wagner reports Astronauts on the International Space Station are now able to enjoy a clean drink of water thanks to tanks...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - AERODYNAMICS: Real road test.
October 13, 2008... Volvo invests in a wind-generating chamber that simulates on-road airflow around and under a car's body. Siobhan Wagner reports A wind tunnel that simulates airflow around and under a car's body is helping the design of vehicles that use...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - MANAGING TECHNOLOGY: Bear up.
October 13, 2008... Sourcing components for obsolete systems can be a headache, but don't be tempted by inexpensive replacements, warns Robin Kyte Locating and sourcing a supplier of an obsolete mechanical component such as a bearing is a growing concern for...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - FASTENERS: Hold tight.
October 13, 2008... Components used in cars, aircraft and a solar power plant in Egypt could benefit from a wide range of next-generation latches and fasteners. Colin Carter reports Fasteners are the engineering world's equivalent of drummers in a band. They...

DESIGN ENGINEERING - LINEAR MOTION: Better wear.
October 13, 2008... New systems and software to streamline operations and reduce maintenance should help cut costs and raise output. Julia Pierce reports As the global credit crunch bites even harder the need to cut manufacturing costs becomes more important...

TCT 2008 PREVIEW: The fast show.
October 13, 2008... For those seeking solutions for reducing time-to-market and managing new product lifecycles TCT 2008 could provide the one-stop shop, says Julia Pierce The latest solutions for design, development and manufacturing will be on show at...

COMMENT: Crunch could be the making of us.
October 27, 2008... Faced with an impending recession brought about in no small part by over-spending on borrowed money, it seems strange that one suggested remedy is to spend, spend, spend on borrowed money. However odd it sounds, that is exactly the course...

NEWS: Building the bullet.
October 27, 2008... The Engineer looks at the challenges of setting a new land speed record The technical team working on the UK's new world land speed record bid has given The Engineer an exclusive insight into the huge challenges facing the project. ...

NEWS: Hydrogen hop.
October 27, 2008... New membrane technology means Airbus could use hydrogen fuel cell for back-up power The next generation of Airbus aircraft could use a fuel cell for emergency back-up power if trials of new membrane technology developed by BASF are...

NEWS: Heat seekers.
October 27, 2008... Collaboration to design high-temperature silicon carbide integrated circuits A UK team aims to develop integrated circuits able to withstand the extreme temperatures inside turbines or oil wells. Raytheon Systems Limited (RSL) - the UK...

NEWS: Made for Mars.
October 27, 2008... Silicon chip will help NASA measure the direction and force of wind on the Red Planet A silicon chip that can measure wind speed and direction on Mars will be a key component of a roving weather monitoring station due to be launched by...

NEWS: Spheres for clears.
October 27, 2008... Water industry backs research that could lead to low-energy water purification The UK water industry is backing research into a potential new low- energy water purification technique that uses floating glass beads. Research starting...

NEWS: The correct image.
October 27, 2008... Edinburgh University researchers have adapted an algorithm developed to analyse spectrum data from distant galaxies to help correct MRI images if a patient moves while a scan is in progress. Prof Alan Heavens of Edinburgh's theoretical...

NEWS: Scan software.
October 27, 2008... PET analysis system claimed to be a breakthrough in early diagnosis of dementia Philips Research is claiming a breakthrough in medical diagnostics after interpreting positron emission tomography (PET) brain scan images to identify various...

NEWS: Sharper focus in battle.
October 27, 2008... Troops will be able to see more clearly and gain vision through battlefield smoke with a new night-time vision system, claim the developers. The technology, developed by BAE Systems, operates in full digital mode and uses a combination of...

LETTER: Optimistic future.(Letter to the editor)
October 27, 2008... Science minister Lord Drayson recently announced his support for a UK- manned space programme. I hope this is not just tub-thumping by a politico wishing to gain a reputation, and that there will be a subsequent increased involvement by UK...

LETTER: Optimistic future for today's students.(Letter to the editor)
October 27, 2008... Please don't lose all hope for the engineers of tomorrow. I am 17 and applying to read a masters degree in mechanical engineering. I have been reading The Engineer since I was about 15. Almost every issue comments on how there are not...

LETTER: Engineering matters.(Letter to the editor)
October 27, 2008... Our online leader article 'Crunch time' argued that the financial crash should force more recognition of engineering as an element of the UK's productive economy. Here is a selection of your emails. Shouting at the TV screen indeed. I've...

LETTER: Think small.(Letter to the editor)
October 27, 2008... Your survey 'Frontline views' (feature, 13 October) regarding the state of engineering skills highlighted concerns about the preparedness (or otherwise) of graduates for a career in the sector. I agree with the commentator who pointed...

VIDEO TECHNOLOGY: Wild things.
October 27, 2008... Breathtaking views of wildlife involve more than patience and skill - they are the result of technology that is being constantly developed and adapted to open up ever more exciting possibilities. Stuart Nathan reports FOR natural history...

INSIGHT: Eye in the firestorm.
October 27, 2008... UK researchers develop a re-usable thermometer that could lead to a better understanding of explosions. Jon Excell reports UK engineers have developed a thermometer that will carefully monitor the extremes of temperature in previously...

UK INNOVATION: Have idea, will travel.
October 27, 2008... The five finalists in Fiat's #50,000 competition for the best fun mode of transport combined their personal hobby-horses with innovative design, says Stuart Nathan who was one of the judges It is not every day that you get the chance to...

INTERVIEW: Circuit breaker.(Interview)
October 27, 2008... Car developer Triple Eight's technical director Kevin Berry explains the vehicle refinements that helped Vauxhall clinch its second successive British Touring Car Championship title. Berenice Baker reports IN A LAST gasp of summer...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING: Hole lot quicker.
October 27, 2008... Researchers claim lightweight, portable robot can automatically drill aircraft components faster and more cheaply. Siobhan Wagner reports A lightweight, portable robot is claimed to drill holes into aircraft components, such as wing...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - METAL FORMING: Good impression.
October 27, 2008... New sensor system claimed to detect fluctuations in sheet metal forming early and significantly reduce reject rate. Siobhan Wagner reports A SENSOR system that monitors sheet metal forming processes is claimed to detect faults at an...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - ELECTRONICS: Prints of light.
October 27, 2008... Electronic printing process could lead to transparent solar panels that are thin enough to be used as tint on windows. Siobhan Wagner reports A technique that allows electronic circuits to be printed on a wide array of surfaces could lead...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - MANAGING TECHNOLOGY: Trust the future.
October 27, 2008... A manufacturing trust should be set up to help the industry, especially SMEs, push its innovations to keep the UK ahead of international competition, says Ernest Poku The UK is the sixth largest manufacturing nation in the world, despite...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - MACHINE VISION: In camera.
October 27, 2008... Procedures as diverse as eye surgery, biscuit production and tennis line-calls all rely on the accuracy of advanced laser vision systems. Colin Carter explains Where vision systems are concerned, the array with the best sensors and most...

PRODUCTION ENGINEERING - AUTOMATION: A better line.
October 27, 2008... Automation technology once reserved for the factory floor is now being used to help streamline operations at conference centres and increase the flexibility of water supplies. Julia Pierce reports Advances in automation are helping some...

CAREERS: Training rules OK.
October 27, 2008... Small business gets multi-million pound skills boost as government unveils package for 'tough times'. Andrew Lee reports The government is to relax its rules on training funding in a bid to give smaller businesses help with skills...

CAREERS IN BRIEF: Shape of things to come.
October 27, 2008... Airbus has launched an international competition asking students to help shape the future of the aerospace sector. The 'Fly Your Ideas' challenge is open to teams of students up to PhD level, and is looking for proposals covering areas such...

CAREERS IN BRIEF: Grand scheme.
October 27, 2008... The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has launched a free membership scheme designed to support young would-engineers through their studies. Called Engeneration, it offers school students a package of support ranging from learning...

CAREERS IN BRIEF: Engineering students on the up.
October 27, 2008... The number of young people electing to study engineering and science subjects at degree level is on the rise, according to figures from the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Although the rises are modest as a proportion of...

CAREERS IN BRIEF: Space for education.
October 27, 2008... A two-year programme using space exploration as a hook to engage young people with science, engineering and technology will launch in 30 secondary schools in England. The Leading Space Education Programme, funded by the Science and Technology...