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Basic stress analysis calculations

Mechanical engineers need to be able to calculate things! One of the most important things a mechanical engineer must know are basic stress analysis calculations.

What is a Good Mechanical Design?

When it comes to judging a good mechanical design, there is a fine line between resonating with the artistic aspect and assessing the practical one.

Amazing materials: Transparent Wood

Transparent wood is a type of a composite material that has the potential to revolutionise the fields of construction and the manufacturing of various products. It

Swaging: Rotary and Extrusion

Swaging is a process that belongs to the forging class of manufacturing processes, where the dimensions of the work piece is changed using dies which

5 Tips for Finding a Mechanical Design Job

Job hunting is upon freshly graduating students and people hoping the start of this year will bring them a better position. Here are our top

Understanding the Dzhanibekov Effect

The Dzhanibekov Effect phenomenon, also known as the Tennis Racquet Theorem, is a result in standard mechanics which describes the movement of a rigid object

4 Unique Engineering Materials you have never heard of

Metals, plastic, ceramics, and composites are used by engineers every day. We all know common properties like; metals are strong but heavy, plastics are lighter

Repurposing Space Vehicles With NASA

According to Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and other tycoons of the aerospace sector, reusability is the next and compulsory technology in the world of spacecraft

INVAR: The amazing super-low thermal expansion alloy you’ve never heard of – that’s been around for over 100 years.

While it is highly likely that many people have never heard of Invar this is an alloy which has been round for more than 100

Auto Tuning Part 2: Suspension Elements

This is a continuation of an earlier article entitled “Auto Tuning Part 1: Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics” where we began an in-depth look at the

Makerspaces in Universities

There is no doubt that entrepreneurship and innovation continues to prosper with new ventures and projects emerging on a regular basis. Most people would recognise

6 Extremely Weird 3D Printing Applications

Previously we discussed 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing and how it works in the aerospace industry. In these articles, we learned that some of the benefits

Additive Manufacturing in the Aerospace Industry

You know a trend transitioned from a hobbyist tool and news candy to solid production asset when aeronautics and aerospace officially start using it. Additive

Revealed: The amazingly efficient, but UNUSED Bourke Engine from the 1920s

For many people the world of mechanical engineering is based upon the challenge to change and improve systems of years gone by. The two-stroke and

Factors favouring Hydraulics over Pneumatics

It is always a lively debate between design engineers when looking to select the appropriate fluid power system for their application. No system is perfect

Going Back to the Classroom: How hard can it be?

So you have decided to go back to university (going back to the classroom), get a proper Bachelor, a Masters or enroll in a PhD

Makerspace: Center of Medical Innovation

We previously spoke about the subject of Makerspace and the objectives, visions and way in which it can create inspiring workplaces. The ability to bring

Recycling Carbon Fibre

Since the turn of the century, carbon fibre and composites have been the making of the aerospace and aeronautics industry: their mechanical properties and lightweight,

Going Back to the Classroom: Why?

Whether you’re intending to go back to university (or going back to the classroom as some would describe it) at some point in your professional

Suborbital Flying with Blue Origin

We have to say that 100 km above the Earth isn’t exactly what you find on vacation brochures and going at Mach 3 beyond the

What is Microtomography?

Heterogeneous materials are gaining more popularity in use for manufacturing high-tech parts. This means that analyses and certifications need to be conducted and will therefore

Bridges of Communication : Bringing Science to the Public

As news about the Paris agreement starts to filter through the system, the controversial stand of a significant portion of the population over climate change

Revealed : How Young Mechanical Engineers Get Hired

It is that time of the year again, the time when most freshly graduated students (young mechanical engineers) are looking for their first position. Few

The Threat of Space Junk

Since the 60s, the majority of satellites launched into space have successfully fulfilled their tasks with new technology improving the services which they offer. Unfortunately

The Future of Cars: Flying or Self-Driving

Now that cars have become affordable and filled with options, several issues has arisen with regards to the vulgarization of the automotive technology. How do

Amazing Design – Primitive Tools vs New Tech

When thinking about what makes an amazing design, a fun thought experiment is to compare the design of products to the natural evolution of different

5 Top Places for Mechanical Engineering Academic Research

It may not be common knowledge but almost all research and scientific progress takes place in universities around the world. While universities are obviously associated

Rapid Prototyping: Doing For Thinking

Lately, I was pleasantly surprised by one of the conferences I attended involving decision making and startup development: I was expecting the generic speech about