Variable Stiffness Composites
In previous posts I have discussed the unique characteristics and manufacturing processes of a certain type of composite material, namely continuous fibre-reinforced plastics (FRPs). Just like many other composite materials, FRPs combine two or…
Four Stroke Cycle Petrol Engines
PETROL ENGINES Classification of Petrol Engines • Two Stroke cycle Petrol Engines • Four Stroke cycle petrol Engines FOUR STROKE CYCLE PETROL ENGINES Construction : • A piston reciprocates inside the cylinder • The…
Simplicity – The Ultimate Sophistication
In engineering the devil lies in the detail. However the best solution can often be found in the most simplest of designs! Leonardo DaVinci knew all about it when he wrote: Simplicity…
The Scramjet
The American Air Force has reported that a test of the unmanned hypersonic X-51A “Waverider” scramjet has failed. During the test flight the aircraft disconnected successfully from the the wing of a…
Two Stroke Cycle Diesel Engines
TWO STROKE CYCLE DIESEL ENGINES- CONSTRUCTION Construction : • Two stroke cycle diesel engines require air supply • This air is used to blow out the exhaust gases and to fill the…
Thrust Reversal
In a typical turbofan jet engine the oncoming airflow is compressed throughout a series of compressor stages, mixed with a fuel (typically kerosene) and combusted, drastically increasing pressure and temperature,…
Jet Engine Design: The Turbine
The turbine is at the heart of any jet engine with its primary task being to drive the compressor. As described previously without the compressor no mechanical work would be done on…
Two Stroke Cycle Petrol Engines
PETROL ENGINES Classification of Petrol Engines • Two Stroke cycle Petrol Engines • Four Stroke cycle petrol Engines TWO STROKE CYCLE PETROL ENGINES: Two Stroke Cycle Petrol Engine - Construction Construction :…
Marine diesel engines and their main components and parts
Marine diesel engines are engines used to turn the main propellers on marine ships. These engines are made up of several different components, with each component having a specific function to…
Developments in Composite Materials
I have just returned from the International Conference for Composite Materials (ICCM) in Montreal, Canada and would like to share a few observations and key points about the developments in…
