Category: Engineering

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! 

Biomass Power Plant

Biomass Power Plant

Biomass Power Plant

06/30/17

“How can we use agriculture for power plants?”

 

It is well known that there are numerous plant based power sources existent such as ethanol fuel. However, is it possible to generalize this concept and use it to make industrial levels of power? Well, after many long years of research, engineers have been able to make something called biomass power plants, which use heaps of agriculture to make renewable energy. Although it is not currently economically profitable, it still remains a scientific curiosity to investigate for the future.

Recuperators

Recuperators

Recuperators

06/29/17

“How can we optimize a combustion chamber?”

 

In engineering, we often use combustion to power a system. However, if we have to use cold air, then we will need significantly more fuel to operate our system. So how could we make a device that would automatically heat up the air for our needs? Well, let’s think about it. First, let’s have a tube where the air flows in. Then, let’s compress this air using a compressor. Afterward, let’s force this compresses air into a heat exchanger where it will be warmed up by some waste heat. Then, let’s take this heated air, have it flow through a turbine for power, and run it through the exhaust pipe to heat up the incoming air and complete the cycle. This system is known as a recuperator and is used in all sorts of systems from ventilation systems to energy transfer processes.

Ethanol fuel

Ethanol fuel

Ethanol fuel

06/27/17

“Can we use plants to make fuel?”

 

Plants can be found everywhere on this planet, from the sandiest deserts to the densest rainforests. And like animals, all of these plants have one thing in common, stored energy! So logically speaking, couldn’t we convert some of this plant matter into a fuel for our own use? Well, let’s use our scientific mindset to find out.
First, let’s gather up some plants with starches and sugars such as corn grain and place it in a production facility. Then, let’s break it down into its component sugars and convert into a chemical called ethanol. Ethanol is a flammable liquid that can be used to power internal combustion engines. Because of its wide availability in agricultural areas, ethanol fuel is a popular choice in the nation of Brazil and the Great Plains of the United States.

A quick note on the sustainability of electric vehicles

A quick note on the sustainability of electric vehicles

A quick note on the sustainability of electric vehicles

Isaac Gendler

06/25/17

“How effective are electric vehicles at promoting sustainability?”

 

Electric vehicles are often touted as one of the drivers of the frontier of sustainability. However, one should keep in mind that electric vehicles draw their power from the grid, and if the grid is not powered by sustainable sources then electric vehicles will not be sustainable either. So one when we continue the battle against greenhouse gases in transportation, we must keep in mind that we must not limit our efforts to only one field.