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NASA Spacecraft Gets Close Look at Dwarf Planet
NASA's Dawn spacecraft will be the first mission to successfully visit a dwarf planet if it enters orbit as planned around dwarf planet Ceres.
Small Business Index Shows U.S. Job Gains, IHS Says
Small businesses are gaining steam according to the latest Paychex and IHS Small Business Jobs Index. Employment index increased by 0.19% in February, advancing for the second consecutive month in 2015.
Airbus Engineers Explore Sharkskin Properties for Aircraft Bodies
In a bid to improve the aerodynamics of large passenger aircraft, Airbus tried in the 1990s to emulate the aerodynamic efficiencies of sharkskin, but was unsuccessful. Technological developments and increasing fuel costs have spurred the manufacturer to try again, according to MRO Network.
Are Growth Prospects Stunted for Plant-based Chemicals?
Crude oil and natural gas have long been the primary feedstocks for the global chemical industry. But renewable feedstocks such as sugar (from corn or sugarcane) and glycerin (from vegetable oils) have recently challenged the dominance of fossil fuels.
Beijing Plans World's Largest Airport Terminal
Beijing plans to be the home of the world's largest airport passenger terminal.
Collaborative Robots Play Nice on the Plant Floor
Designed to safely share the same workspace as humans, a new class of industrial robots known as collaborative robots is targeting manufacturing applications that once were considered too low-volume or low-tech for robotic automation.
Navigation Module Could Help Ships Act as Their Own Sails
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute's Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML) have been developing an algorithm that would allow the Vindskip—a hybrid merchant ship which uses a specially-shaped hull to harness wind power—to use the combination of both power and sail.
Regenerative Braking Improves Railroad Engine Energy Efficiency
A flywheel-based braking system may help to reduce the carbon footprint of Britain's diesel-powered railroad trains.
Bombardier CS300 Aircraft Completes First Flight Test
After 11 years of development, Bombardier celebrated the maiden flight of its largest commercial jet, the CSeries 300, on Feb. 27 even as questions remain about the program's long-term financial viability, Bloomberg reports.
IHS Expands Partnership with Leading Food Science and Technology Publisher IFIS
IHS Inc. announced the expanded relationship with IFIS that allows IHS to host and sell the FSTA database – a comprehensive resource of food science, technology and nutrition information.
LNG-powered Ferries Being Built in Canada
Hull assembly is under way for the MV Armand-Imbeau II—the first of two sister-ships under construction at Davie, the Canada-based shipbuilder, for the Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ).
Oxford Performance Launches 3D Printing Technology for Aerospace Parts
Oxford Performance Materials (OPM) launched two grades of 3D printing technology—OXFAB-N and OXFAB-ESD—and says this technology will improve how aircraft and industrial components are manufactured.
Quantum Radar Could Detect Objects Invisible to Conventional Systems
An international research team has developed a prototype quantum radar that it says has the potential to detect objects invisible to conventional systems. The radar is a hybrid system that uses quantum correlation between microwave and optical beams to detect objects of low reflectivity, such as cancer cells or aircraft with a stealth capability.
Renault and French Post Office Test Electric Truck with Fuel-cell Range Extender
Renault Trucks and the French Post Office will introduce, on an experimental basis, an electric truck equipped with a fuel-cell range extender; the test program is one of the first of its kind in Europe. T
Satellite-launching Aircraft Could Be Test-flown in 2016
Work is underway on the Roc aircraft, which on completion will be the largest aircraft ever made, with a wingspan of 385 feet. It is designed to carry rockets that can be launched into orbit.
U.S. Chemical Production Rose in January for 10th Month
The U.S. Chemical Production Regional Index rose by 0.4% in January, according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC).
Urban Social Networks Analyzed from a Big Data Point of View
Big data technology has allowed researchers to figure out how much movement in cities is attributable to social activity. Failing to properly account for social mobility could lead planners and traffic engineers to underestimate activity by as much as 20%.
Jet Engine Is Printed Using 3D Technology
Airbus, Boeing and Raytheon are expressing interest after Australian researchers created what they say is the world's first 3D-printed jet engine. The manufacturing breakthrough could lead to cheaper, lighter and more fuel-efficient jets.
Rolls-Royce Engines Selected for Chinese High-Speed Ferries
Chinese ferry operator Zhuhai High-Speed Passenger Ferry Co Ltd. has selected Rolls-Royce to supply water jets and high-speed MTU diesel engines to power two new aluminum catamaran ferries.
Abrasion-resistant Surfaces Inspired by Desert Scorpions
Researchers at Jilin University in China are looking to the natural world to solve the problem of material erosion by solid particles. Dr. Han Zhiwu and his team are turning to the deadly Androctonus australis, the yellow fat-backed scorpion, for inspiration, as reported in Design News.