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Part 1: Mechanical Engineers Say Driverless Cars are the “New Talk of the Town”

2018-11-13T10:03:57+00:00

Major giants inside the automobile industry have already show cased few of their self-driving car technology and many car companies aim to roll out production vehicles with driverless capabilities by 2020. In just a few years, industry experts expect fully autonomous vehicles to follow the trendThe implications autonomous driving will have on insurance matters and legal outcomes of accidents is just one grey area to be explored as we move towards a more automated future. Experts are making some big claims about the future impacts of driverless cars. Before they arrive, check out the comprehensive pros and cons list.   Advantages of Driverless Cars Without the need for a driver, cars could become mini-leisure rooms. There would be more [...]

Part 1: Mechanical Engineers Say Driverless Cars are the “New Talk of the Town” 2018-11-13T10:03:57+00:00

Part 2 – Mechanical Engineers Recommend 7 Features on ‘New Age” Refrigerators

2018-11-07T10:09:55+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Update Tomorrow’s Refrigerator: Here are Your Choices  Black Board Models  Black board models are ideal for young families. Shopping list, school timetable and forthcoming doctors' appointments – all readily visible because they are stuck to the door of a refrigerator using fridge magnets. A black board fridge-freezer is a more stylish way of displaying your messages and reminders as you can write directly on the door using school chalk or liquid chalk markers. The black board material makes it easy to wipe away the writing.      2.    Glass Fronts New fridge models are doing away with handles. These sleek units offer seamless visual integration with handle-less cabinetry design. Models with glossy glass surfaces in brilliant white [...]

Part 2 – Mechanical Engineers Recommend 7 Features on ‘New Age” Refrigerators 2018-11-07T10:09:55+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Update Refrigerators – Part 1

2018-11-01T11:09:21+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Save Lives People think of medical doctors and nurses as the key providers of health care.  In fact, Mechanical Engineers have saved more lives than doctors.  Refrigeration keeps food from spoiling and prevents insect infestation.  A Century after the refrigerator supplanted the ice-box, new models now are part of home’s “smart” products.  Family Hub refrigerators allow owners to play music in their kitchen, leave digital notes for family members, check to see if they’re out of milk when they’re away from home, and even order groceries with just a voice command.   Smart refrigerators open a whole new world for getting content and services.  Hi-Tech options include touch-screen displays on the front of doors, there are one or [...]

Mechanical Engineers Update Refrigerators – Part 1 2018-11-01T11:09:21+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Say Proper Ventilation is Crucial for Your Small Business

2018-10-26T09:39:38+00:00

Engineers Explain How Good Ventilation Helps Your Business We’ll start with a fact that often startles people: (indoor air quality is a major health threat in the country).  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the air quality inside buildings is often 3 to 4 times worse than the air outside. This goes against what most people think air pollution is like— fumes from cars and smoke stacks casting dark clouds over cities.  Heavy wall insulation, tightly fitted, non-opening windows ( Window Efficiency ), and commercial synthetic carpeting in modern buildings allows for the rapid build-up of contaminants inside without the chance to escape. Proper ventilation in your business that was designed by a licensed mechanical engineer(Licensed Mechanical Engineer ), is a key [...]

Mechanical Engineers Say Proper Ventilation is Crucial for Your Small Business 2018-10-26T09:39:38+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Recommend Home Drainage – Winter Months are Coming !

2018-10-10T09:50:13+00:00

How Do Engineers Handle Rainwater? Engineers can help with proper fitting of gutters, or eaves troughs as they are called in some parts of the country. They are an important part of the drainage system around your house.  If yours are nonexistent, in poor condition, or improperly placed on your house, they could be causing problems and putting your home at risk of water damage. Gutters need to be installed properly so that they catch the water coming off your roof and channel it away from your house and its foundation.  Your eaves troughs should have a downward slope of 1/2 inch for every 10 feet of run to ensure they drain completely.  If your house is more than [...]

Mechanical Engineers Recommend Home Drainage – Winter Months are Coming ! 2018-10-10T09:50:13+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Design Smart Homes

2018-10-16T19:42:49+00:00

What is a Connected Smart Home? A connected Smart Home brings devices and services together for an integrated, autonomous experience that improves a consumer’s life.  Connected home experiences include everything from voice-controlled lights, house-cleaning robots, machine learning-enabled security cameras, and WiFi routers that troubleshoot for you. Thanks to decreasing costs and increasing options for connectivity, these smart home devices, sensors, and tools can be interlinked to create real-time, contextual, and smart experiences for consumers. Both Mechanical Engineers and Electrical Engineers design these products for more convenient and enhanced experiences. (http://glewengineering.com/engineers-develop-ways-to-ventilate-your-home/ A Smart Home can bring new features and capabilities to smart devices, like interconnectivity, security, offline communication, predictive maintenance, analytics for consumer insights, and machine learning. Each of these capabilities [...]

Mechanical Engineers Design Smart Homes 2018-10-16T19:42:49+00:00

Engineers Develop Ways to Ventilate Your Home

2018-09-25T15:38:05+00:00

Why ventilate? For centuries homes weren’t ventilated, and they did all right, didn’t they? Why do we need to go to all this effort (and often considerable expense) to ventilate houses today?  Engineers have developed several reasons that ventilation is more important today than it was long ago. Most importantly, houses 100 years ago were leaky. Usually they didn’t have insulation in the walls, so fresh air could easily enter through all the gaps, cracks, and holes in the building envelope., the building materials used 100 years ago were mostly natural products that didn’t result in significant off gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, flame retardants, and other chemicals that are so prevalent in today’s building materials, furnishings, [...]

Engineers Develop Ways to Ventilate Your Home 2018-09-25T15:38:05+00:00

Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Cars

2018-09-11T11:43:44+00:00

Up and Coming Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Automotive Use If you haven’t heard about hydrogen and fuel cells before, then now is your chance. These technologies are bursting on to the scene and can solve some of the biggest problems in energy ranging from commercial buildings to transportation. While most people are more familiar with solar, wind and battery power, keep your eye on these up-and-coming technologies that could add to our nation’s diverse energy mix. Here Are A Few Things to Know About Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. Electric cars can run on batteries, hydrogen, solar, or any source of electricity.  Hydroelectric cars contains fuel cells that produce electricity from hydrogen stored in high pressure gas tanks and oxygen.  [...]

Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Cars 2018-09-11T11:43:44+00:00

Semiconductor Industry Growth Continues

2018-09-06T14:11:53+00:00

  Worldwide semiconductor revenue hit and all-time-record of $120.8B in Q2 2018, which represents an almost 4.5% quarter over quarter growth. More Integrated Circuits are being put into traditional products, such as enterprise data storage units and smart phones. Now cars, refrigerators, and a whole host of Internet of Things, are integrating chip sets into their products as well. Memory dominates chip production and usage, and has helped to keep Samsung in its leadership position. (Record Fab Spending) Samsung Remains the Number One Semiconductor Manufacturer Samsung posed Q218 revenue of $19.2B and Intel came in at $16.7B. Uncertainty at the helm of Intel with Brian Krzanich’s unexpected resignation has led to some confusion in the industry. Several semiconductor industry [...]

Semiconductor Industry Growth Continues 2018-09-06T14:11:53+00:00

Six Innovative Wind Turbines

2018-08-30T10:53:23+00:00

In this article we will review a few new wind turbine designs that are ready to advance the state of wind energy technology.  With refined technology, engineers have developed new devices that are more efficient, work in low wind conditions, can use wind and water energy, and safer for birds.  These problems provide abundant opportunity for solving design problems for mechanical engineers.  Energy storage, battery technology, and the strength of turbine blades provides copious challenges for materials scientists.  Renewable energy capacity around the globe has eclipsed coal power for the first time ever. Wind power makes up a large percentage of global renewable energy, and with all the recent technological innovations in wind turbine design, it's no mystery that it's become [...]

Six Innovative Wind Turbines 2018-08-30T10:53:23+00:00

Engineers Who Work With Solar

2018-08-07T12:57:07+00:00

(Figure 1. Materials Engineers)  Solar energy has seen record growth in recent years, leading to greater-than-ever demand for solar engineers. In fact, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar energy is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. According to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Engineers are one of the most sought-after occupations by employers in the solar power industry." The industry requires a range of types of engineers, and many of them have skill sets and training particular to working with solar. Materials Engineers Materials Engineers (See Figure 1. Above) develop, process and test materials used in the solar industry. Some of these materials include metals, plastics, glass and [...]

Engineers Who Work With Solar 2018-08-07T12:57:07+00:00

Material Engineers Looking to Future: Solar Assisted Electric Vehicles  (SAEVs)

2018-08-02T09:23:52+00:00

Material Engineers : A Pipedream?  Solar-powered cars have been thought of by many as an impossible pipedream. But the innovators behind, a fully solar-powered vehicle to be released in 2019.  GOING FULLY SOLAR A Car whose ability to use solar power has been thought of as an impossible feat.  Designed by the Dutch startup Lightyear, the “car that charges itself” can supposedly drive for months without charging and has a 400 – 800 km range. But is a solar-powered car feasible?Up until now fully solar-powered cars were not considered a realistic prospect, Solar Assisted Electric Vehicles (SAEVs) were considered the best possible option for solar cars, adding up to hundreds of miles to a cars range. But the Dutch Lightyear promises [...]

Material Engineers Looking to Future: Solar Assisted Electric Vehicles  (SAEVs) 2018-08-02T09:23:52+00:00

Engineers Test “CHP” – Combined Heat and Power

2018-09-04T12:40:22+00:00

Figure 1. Self Sufficient Home with Combined Heat and Power Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Engineers combined heat and power (CHP) systems, also known as cogeneration, generate electricity and useful thermal energy in a single, integrated system. CHP is not a technology, but an approach to applying technologies. Heat that is normally wasted in conventional power generation is recovered as useful energy, which avoids the losses that would otherwise be incurred from separate generation of heat and power. While the conventional method of producing usable heat and power separately has a typical combined efficiency of 45 percent, CHP systems can operate at levels as high as 80 percent. Some micro-CHP technologies use mechanical engines, such as internal combustion [...]

Engineers Test “CHP” – Combined Heat and Power 2018-09-04T12:40:22+00:00

Material Engineers : Pros and Cons of Solar Powered Cars

2018-07-25T09:17:33+00:00

Figure 1.  Solar Powered Cars in the Future Although a solar power car may not be commercially viable right now, there are ways that solar power can be added to existing designs to make vehicles more efficient. Material Scientist examine the pros and cons of this technology, it can continue to move forward in development to help save on fossil fuels, and the electric grid and pollutions. Solar-powered vehicles (Solar Cells ) have zero emission level, as they don’t utilize non-renewable resources and burn fuel. The electric motors generate electricity (See Figure 1.) that doesn't emit any greenhouse gases or any other pollutants. These cars are quieter than the vehicles powered by conventional fuels, which don't cause noise pollution as well. Lets [...]

Material Engineers : Pros and Cons of Solar Powered Cars 2018-07-25T09:17:33+00:00

Electric Vehicle Batteries: Recycled

2018-07-18T14:04:45+00:00

  Material Scientist Ponder What to Do With Used EV Batteries  As electric vehicles become mainstream, mechanical engineers and chemical engineers are trying to address the big environmental question: what do we do with the used lithium-ion batteries? The batteries used in electric cars are physically large, last 8 to 10 years, and will account for 90 per cent of the lithium-ion battery market by 2025.  This will increase lithium demand fourfold, and more than double the demand for cobalt — two of their essential elements.  The price of cobalt has already risen by more than 80 per cent in 2018.   Most expert Material Scientists agree that a replacement hybrid car battery can range from $1,000 to more than $6,000.  The [...]

Electric Vehicle Batteries: Recycled 2018-07-18T14:04:45+00:00

Engineering Advances: Degradation and Saving Electric Vehicle Batteries

2018-07-10T15:47:30+00:00

Degradation of EV Lithium Batteries  Battery degradation in Electric Vehicles (See Figure 1. to Right) leads to capacity fade, thereby shortening the vehicle’s possible range.  Patterns are beginning to emerge and provide valuable insight into EV battery capacity and lifetime.  Most drivers are retaining over 90% of original capacity Range Anxiety Some cars have a range of only 106 miles, equivalent to just over three times the average daily drive in the US. New Electric Vehicles are expected to have a range of up to 235 miles, a 220% increase, therefore, range is constantly improving to address consumer concerns. Charging an EV takes time, and unless you have fast in-home charging infrastructure or public charging infrastructure it will remain a barrier. [...]

Engineering Advances: Degradation and Saving Electric Vehicle Batteries 2018-07-10T15:47:30+00:00

Electric Vehicle Battery: Electronic Materials, Cost, and Lifespan

2018-07-03T15:48:21+00:00

(Figure 1 - Electric Vehicle on Fire)  Electric Vehicle Battery Materials Most electric vehicle batteries are lithium based and rely on a mix of cobalt, manganese, nickel, and graphite and other primary components, can be very dangerous, battery fires could occur (See Figure 1. Above).  Some of these materials are harder to find than others, though none should be classified as "rare earth metals" ( http://glewengineering.com/the-impact-of-chinese-export-restrictions-on-rare-earth-elements/) . Over 60% of the  global supply for cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has a poor human rights track record; international organizations have denounced for years the exploitative labor practices involved in cobalt production.  Cobalt deposits can be found throughout the world and are most prominent in the African Copper [...]

Electric Vehicle Battery: Electronic Materials, Cost, and Lifespan 2018-07-03T15:48:21+00:00

Semiconductor Record Fab Spending 2018

2018-05-14T10:33:13+00:00

Good News for Materials Scientists - Semiconductor Record Spending Fab spending reports show unprecedented high semiconductor equipment sales are being driven by a handful of well-known companies, and also by several new Chinese companies entering the semiconductor marketplace. An increase in overall fab spending (greenfield construction and equipment together) of 54 percent year-over-year (YoY) in China is expected.  Total spending in China rose from $3.5 billion in 2016, to $5.4 billion in 2017, and then is anticipated to be $8.6 billion in 2018, another 60 percent year-over-year (YoY). The demand for Materials Scientists to develop manufacturing processes and engineers to install and maintain the equipment will be huge as well . Fab Spending is Beyond Silicon Valley China-based companies [...]

Semiconductor Record Fab Spending 2018 2018-05-14T10:33:13+00:00

NAND Flash – 11 Myths Still Floating Around

2018-06-27T16:21:57+00:00

Think You Know NAND Flash?  NAND flash has become the de facto memory standard in the years since Toshiba first introduced it almost three decades ago. However, many misconceptions remain to this day about its use. A wide variety of NAND flash-memory products are available, all with significantly different features and capabilities.    All NAND flash has the same interface. NAND flash, introduced by Toshiba more than 20 years ago, is available in both the asynchronous and toggle-mode interfaces. The original asynchronous interface is found mostly in lower-density devices (<32 Gb), while high-density NAND flash (≥64 Gb) is typically used in the toggle-mode interface.( http://glewengineering.com/tester-prober-interfaces-direct-probe-part-1/  UFS memory is primarily just for smartphones. Universal Flash Storage (UFS), while smartphones [...]

NAND Flash – 11 Myths Still Floating Around 2018-06-27T16:21:57+00:00

Semiconductor Worldwide: Samsung Takes Over

2018-06-22T11:44:20+00:00

Samsung topples Intel as top dog semiconductor market share  Gartner beancounters say price rises driven by memory shortages propelled Samsung into the lead based on semiconductor vendor revenue, vaulting past Intel and its CPUs. The largest memory supplier, Samsung Electronics, gained the most semiconductor market share and took the No. 1 position from Intel – the first time Intel has been toppled since 1992. Memory accounted for more than two-thirds of all semiconductor revenue growth in 2017, and became the largest semiconductor category.  DRAM prices rose 44 per cent from 2016 to 2017, and NAND flash prices went up 17 per cent year-over-year for the first time. (See Figure Below)   A Gartner table provides the numeric nitty-gritty [...]

Semiconductor Worldwide: Samsung Takes Over 2018-06-22T11:44:20+00:00
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