MS Turanor Planet Solar - World's Largest Solar Powered Boat - 2013

The Turanor uses energy harnessed from more than 500 sq m of solar panels to drive two, 60kW electric engines, each in turn driving a standard propeller. They are capable of pushing the 35m catamaran to a top speed of 14 knots (26km/h, 16mph).

But, on its journey around the world, the boat averaged just five knots only  as she took a course around the equator to maximise exposure to the sun. The boat was at sea for 585 days as a result - compared to the record 45 days for sailing round the world.

To boost power when the sun is weak or hiding, the boat holds eight tonnes of lithium ion batteries, capable of powering the vessel for three days when dark clouds shade the ocean skies.

The boat reached London on 9 September 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23936775
http://edition.cnn.com/2013/09/09/sport/worlds-largest-solar-powered-boat/index.html
http://interestingengineering.com/worlds-largest-solar-powerd-ship/

Manufacturing Process Selection Guide

Casting Processes

          A. Sand Casting
          B. Shell Molding

Sand Casting Process

Sand Casting Primer
http://www.eugenesargent.com/casting.htm


Economic of the process
http://www.bath.ac.uk/idmrc/themes/projects/delores/co-design-website/dpg/prosel/prosel5.html



Sand Casting Equipment and Suppliers
http://www.backyardmetalcasting.com/catalog.html

Automobile Engineering and Technology Developments - Information Board 2013

September 2013

Toyota Extends Hybrid Reach with Brash Lexus LF-NX Concept
http://www.dailytech.com/Toyota+Extends+Hybrid+Reach+with+Brash+Lexus+LFNX+Concept/article33309.htm


GM Demos New Self-Steering System, Hopes to Release Semi-Autonomous Vehicle by 2020
http://www.dailytech.com/GM+Demos+New+SelfSteering+System+Hopes+to+Release+SemiAutonomous+Vehicle+by+2020/article33288.htm


2012
Toyota Readies Fourth Generation Prius, Will Reportedly Achieve 60 MPG
http://www.dailytech.com/Toyota+Readies+Fourth+Generation+Prius+Will+Reportedly+Achieve+60+MPG/article29148.htm

Japanese Maglev Train

Japanese Maglev Train Begins Full Speed Testing at 310 mph (500+ kmph)



29 August 2013

Testing on Japan's super-fast Maglev train has resumed after several years of building an extension to its track.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-23887070

Japan JR Tokai has been creating a superconducting magnetically levitated (SCMaglev) train design (a type of electrodynamic suspension Maglev), which travels along a U-shaped track at speeds of up 505 km/hr (311 mph).

The fundamental idea behind a magnetically levitated vehicle was first devised and patented in the U.S. in 1905.  Magnetic levitation is appealing in some ways -- with no moving parts, it has low maintenance costs, and some kinds of Maglev designs (such as JR Tokai's) self-stabilizing reducing the chance of the kind of crashes that plague high-speed rail-based trains.

By 1979 JR Tokai  had completed an unmanned test platform, capable of reach speeds of 517 km/hr (321 mph).  But it took a decade to develop sufficient safety controls and aerodynamics to start construction on a test track.  Construction of the The Yamanashi Maglev Test Line began in 1990 in the town of Aichi, near the city of Nagoya.

The Maglev trains must first reach a certain speed using retractable wheels before the magnetic forces become powerful enough to drive the train once the train reaches around 30 km/h (19 mph).  The retractable wheel launching and landing process  bear some similarities to an airplane takeoff/landing.

Between 1990 and 2008 the 18.4 km (11.4 mi) track saw test runs by MLU002N and MLX01 test engines.  To test the designs JR Tokai gave away free rides on the track.  An estimated 200,000 passengers were carried on these free rides.

In June of this year (2013), the test track was expanded to a length of 42.8 km (26.6 mi) and also incorporates new features such as tunnels. 

Boeing 787 - Engineering Achievement 2013

787 - 9

Similar to the standard 787, the new “9” variant also uses composite materials in its construction. Because of these composite materials the 787 line is said to be 20 percent more fuel efficient.

The new Dreamliner series can also keep cabins under higher pressure with lower humidity, and give passengers a greater view on their travels with its larger electrochromic windows. Additionally, the 787s sport dual engines that can power the craft to Mach .85 (913km/h; 567mph).

The 787-9  differs from from 787-8 in some key ways. First, the new 9 is 6 meters (20ft) longer, with a total length of 63 meters (206ft). With that additional space Boeing has made room for 40 more passengers, upping the total number to 290.

Given its fuel efficiency, the 787-9 has also boosted its range by 555 km (345 miles) giving the plane an effective range of 15,844 km (9,845 miles). With that range the 787-9 could fly from New York to Hong Kong (12,962 km; 8,054 miles) without getting to fumes.

http://www.engineering.com/DesignerEdge/DesignerEdgeArticles/ArticleID/6238/Boeings-787-9-Rolls-Set-to-Take-Flight.aspx


http://787updates.newairplane.com/

Boeing 787 Design Change Process
http://787updates.newairplane.com/Design-Change-Process/The-Boeing-Design-Change-Process

2006
Boeing 787 Design Details

The Boeing 787 program has consciously designed in new, state-of-the-art features and performance that reduce cost and increase airplane availability. These features include extensive use of composites in the airframe and primary structure, an electric systems architecture, a reliable and maintainable design, and an improved maintenance program. Taken together, these features  will offer customers a guaranteed reduction in maintenance costs.

Traditionally, the value of a given design solution for an air plane has been measured using factors such as:

Drag
Weight
Noise (cabin and community)
Schedule reliability
Development cost
Build cost
Using these measures to compare design options helps determine the optimum choice.

With the 787, Boeing has expanded the life-cycle design approach by adding two unique performance measures: maintenance cost and airplane availability.

Material Use
Advanced Composites: 50%
Aluminium: 20%
Titanium: 15%
Steel: 10%
Others: 5%

The 787 has replaced virtually all cabin, flight deck and exterior lighting with HID and LED lighting technologies.  Overall, 787 lights will last ten to twenty times longer than their in-service counterparts.

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_4_06/article_04_1.html
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_4_06/article_04_2.html
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_4_06/article_04_5.html
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_4_06/AERO_Q406_article4.pdf

BMW i3 - Latest Commercialised Engineering Achievement - 2013

http://www.bmw.co.uk/en/new-vehicles/bmw-i/i3/2013/start.html


The all-electric BMW i3.

Everything about the BMW i3 with eDrive, every detail and every feature, is designed for life in the city. Driven by a locally emission-free electric motor, the BMW i3 guarantees mobility wherever you need it. It’s at home anywhere, from the edge of town to the city centre. Not surprisingly, the BMW i3 also qualifies for a full 100% discount in the London Congestion Zone. Aside from the ecological considerations, the BMW i3 makes a strong impression with its breathtaking acceleration at low speeds or from a standstill. And it boasts an impressive real-world range of 80-100 miles thanks to the high-voltage lithium ion battery. If you want even more flexibility, the BMW i3 Range Extender adds to the achievable range.

Typical BMW i streamflow design features are apparent in the way the window surfaces in the tailgate merge to offer an excellent all-around view. Large 19 inch alloy wheels reduce rolling resistance, which, combined with numerous aerodynamic details, create the most efficient drive.

With a base price of $41k, it's about $20k less than a Tesla Model S. The smaller battery and lower passenger capacity probably account for the difference in price.

http://www.engineering.com/ElectronicsDesign/ElectronicsDesignArticles/ArticleID/6089/Break-the-Fossil-Fuel-Habit-in-Style.aspx

Comparison Between Concept Car and Production Car

The transparent doors move to the side and conventional doors made of CFRP are taking their place. The lower part of the tailgate has also moved away from a transparent design towards one that blocks the view of any contents inside the trunk.

The production version of the BMW i3 is narrower than the concept car: 1775 mm vs 2011 mm width of the production i3. In addition, the BMW i3 is slightly higher and slightly longer than when it was announced in 2011.

Inside changes:  The built-in LCD is now replaced by the floating high-def screen seen on new BMWs. The dashboard controls and iDrive knobs are also similar to the other production models in the BMW lineup.

The curb weight of the BMW i3 is 1195 kg or 55 kg lighter than announced in 2011. Due to the lower weight, the sprint is faster than initially announced: 7.2 seconds from 0 to 62 mph, versus 7.9 seconds in the concept.

The luggage capacity has however increased: 260 cubic meters to 1,100 cubic meters, versus 200 to 1,100 before.

Source:
http://www.bmwblog.com/2013/07/30/comparison-bmw-i3-concept-vs-bmw-i3-production-car/

Standard Specifications of the Car
http://www.bmw.co.uk/dam/bmw/marketGB/bmw_next/newvehicles/bmwi-overview/i3/design/E213677_BMW_i3_Flyer_SEH.pdf.resource.1374579262675.pdf