Img credit: ultimatescience.org
Dams in themselves are engineering and construction marvels that use the flow of water predominantly for irrigation and generating hydroelectricity. The Three Gorges Dam in China is by far the largest hydroelectric plant on earth but it’s not without controversy. While it certainly looks like an engineering masterpiece, there are a few things you may not have known. We take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly truth behind this man-made marvel.
Img Credit: Horizon Nuclear Power
Hitachi has suspended construction of the new nuclear power stations in Anglesey and Gloucestershire. The decision followed some speculation that Hitachi’s nuclear development plans were on hold after failed negotiations with the government based on financing. The Japanese conglomerate concluded that more time is needed to develop a financial structure for the Wylfa Newydd Project. That assessment also included the conditions for construction and operation of facilities.
The nuclear power stations were intended for Wylfa Newydd Anglesey in North Wales and Oldbury on Severn in South Gloucestershire. Horizon Nuclear Power, which Hitachi acquired in 2012, had planned to develop at least 5,800MW of nuclear power across the sites. Adding insult to injury, both sites would have created around 850 full-time positions and 9,000 jobs during construction.
Shot blasting is used to clean, polish or strengthen metal preparing it for the application of overlays or specialist coatings. It is a technological process used to remove various impurities from different surfaces using abrasives. This includes removing rust or old layers of paint to prepare surfaces for further processing like painting, welding or powder coating. Many industries working with metal use shot blasting, including aerospace, automotive, construction, shipbuilding, rail among many others.
Image Credit: IDF
The defence sector is a demanding industry as companies from all over the world compete for new innovations and technologies. From tanks and armoured personnel carriers to autonomous vehicles and helicopters, countries are always looking to expand their defence forces.
We’ve recently covered some really interesting defence technologies ranging from micro drones to UAVs and military robots. Looking at some of the developments from 2018, the Israeli Defence Force springs to mind.
Image Credit: Sikorsky/Boeing
When it comes to military aircraft, vehicles and other emerging technologies, the Sikorsky-Boeing SB>1 Defiant is the future. This next-generation military helicopter shows just what today’s technologies and advanced systems are capable of. After years of research and development, Sikorsky and Boeing have revealed their master plan for the latest in military aircraft.
Another year has gone by and what better way to end it off than reflecting on the last 12 months. As a specialist engineering company, we work with a wide array of industries and our experience has enabled us to deliver interesting, relevant and informative articles. From engineering and manufacturing to new technologies, defence updates and future combat vehicles, we publish new content every week. After all, you can’t grow unless you learn something new every day.
With Christmas behind us and the focus shifting to the New Year, let’s take a look at some of the PRV Engineering blog highlights from 2018. Most articles focus on PRV Engineering services but we also added a few very interesting developments from around the world.
Image Credit: Honda
Honda is making headlines once again as they seeking potential business and technology partners for their prototype off-road vehicle. Honda’s Autonomous Work Vehicle combines the automaker’s all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and advanced autonomous technology. Honda R&D Americas have designed the Autonomous Work Vehicles to improve efficiency and safety.
They aim to target public, commercial and consumer enterprises with the potential to support a host of industries. Some of these include search and rescue, firefighting, construction, agriculture, landscaping and snow removal. Honda will feature their Autonomous Work Vehicle at CES 2019 in Las Vegas Convention Center from January 8-11, 2019.
Img credit: sputniknews.com
The defence sector is forever changing and Russia’s new Peresvet laser weapon gives a terrifying glimpse into the future. Russia announced the launch amidst some controversy after the US threatened to withdraw from an arms treaty between the two military powerhouses. Could this be a coincidence? Many people think not. Chances are that it probably fits perfectly with Russia’s plans as tensions between the two countries have increased in recent times.
President Vladimir Putin already promised to deploy several high-tech weapons in the near future when he made his annual address to Russia’s Federal Assembly in March 2018. He wants the West to know that Russia is developing new weapons and should be considered a real force if a New Cold War erupts.
While there is no magic trick to change common chemical elements into rare and valuable ones, electroplating is as close as it gets. Electroplating is similar to electrolysis which is the opposite of the process batteries use to produce electric currents. The earliest form, which became the modern electroplating process, occurred in the early 19th century.
The development of bigger electric generators meant higher currents which drastically improved the process. Advancements in industrial and manufacturing practices over the past two centuries have changed this process considerably.
While some of you may already know what electroplating is, what about how it works?
Credit: New Atlas
We can never get tired of reading and writing about engineering developments, emerging technologies and the flying taxi. This year has already seen a few interesting concepts from Uber signing with NASA to the CityHawk and Pal-V. And now it is time for Audi to step up to the plate.
The German automaker is living up to their name with the new Pop.Up Next, a hybrid quadcopter and compact two-seater electric vehicle. This is certainly an ambitious attempt but one that seems well worth it considering their partnership with Italdesign and Airbus.
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