What an interesting idea. Instead of moving through the long and laborious process of testing each fuel, you can use simulation to determine whether the fuel will work and how it will work.
Clever. This is really working smart by eliminating the obvious possibilities before spending time and money on the real candidates. In this case, I feel my tax dollars are being well-spent.
Ann, true. Most of the advance research outputs are from defence research labs and later on the technologies are transferring to public/private companies for common man benefits. Hopefully we can expect the similar path in case of bio fuel also.
Seems like agood idea but I think auto manufacturers would need a strong incentive to use it in the private sector. If the research labs for BMW or Mercedes used this, it would be a boost and others would follow. German engineers have been very resistant to alternative fuels.
That military-to-private-sector technology development flow is what used to be the case with electronics back in the day (60s, 70s, even 80s), but changed when the whole military picture changed in the late 80s. Now it seems like in other, non-electronics technologies, especially alternative energy, that the military is back in the invention business again, or at least funding it, like they are with a lot of robotics research.
Nadine, that's an interesting comment: "German engineers have been very resistant to alternative fuels." From what I've read, in general biofuels have become more common in road transportation in Europe. Can you tell us more? Do you mean automotive engineers, for instance?
Ann-"From what I've read, in general biofuels have become more common in road transportation in Europe." Yes, they are more common but not fully embraced by luxury car owners/designers.
I look at multiple international sources for infomation. The first time I heard about the biofuel backlash was while watching DW a couple of years ago. A new biofuel was made readily available to consumers across Germany. The reaction from luxury car drivers was intense. "I wouldn't put that crap in my car" was expressed repeatedly. The story went on the interview automotive designers and engineers who were more diplomatic but agreed with the consumers.
I've seen and heard this sentiment repeated, primarily out of Germany, since then. Some luxury designers and engineers in the US are starting to echo this attitude.
I think it just comes from discomfort with the new fuels. It's hard to think something designed to purr on fossil fuel will still run as well on a new source. This tool from the ONR and UW could help progress move faster.
Nadine, thanks for the detailed feedback. I think the fact that you were referring to luxury car owners makes a certain amount of sense. BTW, what is "DW"?
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
