Author: Isaac Gendler

Surveying trilateration

Surveying trilateration

Surveying trilateration

07/09/17

“What is the modern method for surveying?”

 

Surveying through triangulation can be a painful and arduous task whose accuracy is limited by larger distances. So how can we make a rethink of surveying methods to take into account modern technology? Well, let’s use our engineering mindsets to think about it. We know that we can control the emission of light and microwaves and that these can reflect off surfaces all while moving at the speed of light. So what if we were to use this timed response to infer the distance traveled between two points? Well, this method for surveying is known as trilateration and has become widely used in civil engineering

Control systems

Control systems

Control systems

07/08/17

“How are complex engineering systems controlled?”

 

In the modern world of engineering, devices and processes are no longer operated in a purely mechanical format. Instead, they now have a network of sensors and actuators that allow for programmable movement and operation. However, what exactly causes these systems to move? Well, after many years of incremental development, engineers have designed something known as control systems to manage all operations. Control systems are the programmable logic that allows engineering systems to operate. Engineers that work with control systems are known as control systems engineers.

Parasites

Parasites

Parasites

07/07/17

“Do some organisms require the suffering of another to survive?”

 

One of the most important factors for the survival of organisms is to be able to obtain nutrients. Some obtain it through absorbing sunlight, some through consuming other creatures. And all organisms also need a habitat  (a place to live). But some organisms are quite special in the fact that their living food source and habitat are one in the same. Specifically, they live by stealing nutrients from a hosting animal. These animals are known as parasites and can be found all over the world, from mites on your hairs to tapeworms in a stomach

Using infrared sensing to see through objects

Using infrared sensing to see through objects

Using infrared sensing to see through objects

07/06/17

“Can we see through objects using infrared sensors?”

 

Wouldn’t it be cool if we could see through objects without X-rays? It would be really useful for applications such as scientific research and security, and we would not have to deal with harmful radiation. Luckily, Scientists and Engineers have discovered that some objects such as shopping bags that are opaque in the visible spectrum are actually transparent in the infrared spectrum!

Theodolites

Theodolites

Theodolites

07/05/17

“What instrument do we use to perform surveying?”

 

Surveying is a very intricate science. Since we are measuring areas to be used for structural bedrock, we have to be accurate to the millimeter. However, what machines do we use to accomplish this? Well, let’s use our engineering mindset to find out. Before we need to measure the lengths, we also need to measure angles. And often times, we can use a distant object for a reference. So what if we were to get a telescope, put it on a tripod to stabilize it, and then add circumference measures so we can focus at some point and measure the angles? Well, this is the basic idea behind a theodolite and is the vital tool for surveying

Surveying triangulation

Surveying triangulation

Surveying triangulation

07/03/17

“How can we measure real world triangles accurately?”

 

In surveying, it is often useful to measure triangular areas. However, how exactly is this accomplished? Well, let’s use our engineering mindset to find out. We know from high school trigonometry that if we can find the length and angle of one side of a triangle then we can find out the rest with ease. So how what if we were to apply this idea in reality successive lengths of rods whose length were accurately known? Well, this is the fundamental idea behind surveying triangulation and was the main surveying technique before the 1950s

Engineering surveying

Engineering surveying

Engineering surveying

07/03/17

“How do Engineers determine an accurate topology of an area?”

 

Civil engineering projects often involve large projects. And these large projects will often take up a large area. And in many parts of the world, this area might consist of uneven terrain. So how can we accurately find out the topology of an area? Well, let’s use our engineering mindset to find out. We know that with mechanical devices, we can easily gather information about irregularities in terrain. And by using computer technology, we can analyze this information to obtain a better view of the area. So what if we were to apply this concept to reality, and create an interconnected network of equipment to survey the land? Well, this is the fundamental idea behind engineering surveying, and it’s one of the most fundamental aspects of Civil Engineering.

Electromagnetic propulsion

Electromagnetic propulsion

Electromagnetic propulsion

07/02/17

“How can we make propulsion without fuel?”

 

As it stands, the vast majority of propulsion machines are based upon fuel combustion technologies. However, this approach is costly, wasteful, and dangerous. So how could we make a new propulsion approach that requires no fuel? Well, let’s use our scientific mindset to find out. We know that when an electric current passed through a conductive material immersed in a magnetic field, it will experience a Lorentz force. So what if we were to use this force to cause objects to move? This is the fundamental idea behind electromagnetic propulsion, and can be used to power machines ranging from linear motors to the astronomical electromagnetic propulsion drives!

Solar paint

Solar paint

Solar paint

07/01/17

“Can we use paint to make energy?”

 

Paint is usually seen as just a covering used to keep mold away or for making art. However, is it possible to do more with this material? Well, let’s analyze this using our scientific mindset. If we were to mix in titanium oxide into paint, then it would be capable of absorbing sunlight to convert the moisture into hydrogen and oxygen, therefore allowing for the consumption of hydrogen energy. This tecnology is currently being developed by a team at RMIT in Australia and could revolutionize sustainable energy generation, allowing for easy residential level consumption!