Pratt & Whitney, Virginia Tech Pioneer Laser-Optical Approach for Turbofan Engine Thrust Measurement

A longstanding partnership between Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) and Pratt & Whitney has resulted in a new laser-optical technology that aims to revolutionize in-flight thrust measurement.

New Heat Treatment Allows 3D-Printed Metals to Withstand Extreme Heat

An MIT-developed heat treatment aims to transform the microscopic structure of 3D-printed metals, making the materials stronger and more resilient in extreme thermal environments.

Enhancing Fault Isolation and Detection for Electric Powertrains of UAVs

NASA’s System-Wide Safety (SWS) project is developing innovative data solutions to assure safe, rapid, and repeatable access to a transformed National Airspace System.

Integral Tuned Mass Absorber for Turbine Blades

A novel turbine blade design and manufacturing approach developed by NASA provides a significant reduction in turbine blade resonant vibration.

Piezoelectric Material Remains Effective at High Temperatures

The material remains effective as an energy harvester or sensor at temperatures to well above 572°F.

Analyses Find Cause of Fatal Problem in Rocket Engine Combustors

Advanced analyses shed light on the mechanism of a deadly problem plaguing combustion chambers in rocket engines.

Advancing Aerospike Technology Through Algorithmic Engineering

Hyperganic
Munich, Germany
www.hyperganic.com EOS
Krailling, Germany
www.eos.info/en

In May 2022, Hyperganic built the world's largest 3D-printed...

When the Future of Robotics Becomes Pneumatics

Envisioning smaller and more lightweight robotics, designers realized that cobots could be used for millions of assembly tasks now being carried out by humans.

Products of Tomorrow

This column presents technologies that have applications in commercial areas, possibly creating the products of tomorrow. To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.

Powering the Automotive Sector Toward an Electrified Future with Simulation

Decarbonization goals across the globe are leading to an increased adoption of electric vehicles. With electric car sales soaring, even the most successful...

Ignition Technology for Electric Propulsion Devices

This system would extend the life of CubeSat satellites.

Propulsion System for Hypersonic Flight

The system could allow for flight speeds of Mach 6 to 17 and would have applications in air and space travel.

Simple, Fuel-Efficient Rocket Engine for Cheaper, Lighter Spacecraft

The engine could make rockets not only more fuel-efficient, but also more lightweight and less complicated to construct.

Discrete Proportional Valve Technology

The DPV concept matches the unique needs of electric vehicle cooling and energy management systems.

5 Ws of the Portable Braille Display

Imagine a tablet or Kindle that can display braille on command for the visually impaired.

Process Enables Machines to Thermally “Breathe”

Large machines can breathe in and out cooling blasts of water to keep their systems from overheating.

Engine Made as a Single Calcium Ion

The engine is approximately 10 billion times smaller than a car engine.

Vote for Tech Briefs Product of the Year 2021

These 12 products are the nominees for the 2021 Tech Briefs Readers’ Choice Product of the Year.

Meringue-Like Material Reduces Aircraft Noise

The low-density, graphene-based aerogel could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer.

Machine Condition Monitoring Keeps a Factory Running

Learn how to outfit your equipment with sensors.

Products of Tomorrow

Metamaterial printing, high-efficiency solar cells, and a noise-reduction material.

Origami Solves Challenge of Storing and Moving Rocket Fuel

A folded plastic bladder could store and pump the fuel.

Cladding and Freeform Deposition for Coolant Channel Closeout

This method is a faster way to manufacture combustion chambers and nozzles for aerospace propulsion as well as heat exchangers in oil and gas applications.

An Immersive Solution for Thermally Safer EV Batteries

An R&D project indirectly leads to potentially greater power density, EV range, and battery life.

Bipolar and Unipolar Drives for Stepper Motors: A Comparison

Learn the differences between bipolar and unipolar motors, their driving methods, and advantages and limitations.

Back to Basics: Improving Your Drives Investment

An OEM must think about how to build a machine that will work on any kind of power system.

NASA CO₂ Removal System Integrates High-Speed Blower

After rigorous ground testing, NASA’s Four Bed Carbon Dioxide Scrubber will be installed on the ISS.

Method Detects Onset of Destructive Oscillations in Aircraft Turbines

Early flutter detection will help in the development of safer and more eco-friendly aircraft turbines.

Flywheel Energy Storage Continues to Advance Green Initiatives

Flywheels offer an environmentally and financially sound choice for protecting critical operations.