Latest Mechanical Stories
How superbuildings are advancing the facilities management workplaceJuly 26, 2017
Pat Gaughan looks at three ‘superbuildings’ – California's Apple Park, Perth's Woodside HQ and Amsterdam's Edge – to examine how facilities management is changing the workplace and how it shapes people and organisations
Bearing the harsh environment – lubrication selection for low-temperature operationsJuly 21, 2017
When a bearing is required to operate under demanding conditions, the selection of lubricant becomes even more important. Chris Johnson explains the lubrication requirements for bearings operating in low temperatures
The five biggest engineering innovations of 2017…so farJuly 18, 2017
We have crossed the halfway point of 2017 and engineers have been hard at work innovating the technologies of tomorrow. Here are the biggest engineering innovations of 2017 so far…do you agree?
Crumlin’s hybrid cardiac cath lab – essential health infrastructure for IrelandJuly 18, 2017
Andrew Mulhall outlines the mechanical and electrical innovations behind the new Hybrid Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, a design build project delivered through Building Information Modelling
TCD engineer takes Zero-G ‘vomit comet’ to study steam-powered spacecraftJuly 18, 2017
Dr Tony Robinson, Trinity College lecturer in mechanical engineering, experienced zero gravity in a bid to research the power of steam in space for the European Space Agency. Kathleen McNamee reports
Could dragons on Westeros fly? Aeronautical engineering and maths say they couldJuly 4, 2017
With the seventh season of Game of Thrones hitting our screens this month, aeronautical engineer Guy Gratton surmises that in order for Dany's dragons to fly, Westeros must ‘work differently’ to Earth
Minimising fluid friction makes ships more fuel-efficient and reduces emissionsJuly 3, 2017
Even tiny trace amounts of surfactants can severely limit the drag reduction of superhydrophobic surfaces, causing an imbalance in the flow of water along the interface with ships’ surfaces
Vehicle restraint systems and their function: restraining and containing trafficJune 20, 2017
Herbert Nyamakope writes that VRS design focuses on making the crash barrier fail in a particular way rather than in preventing crashes, as it is the failure mechanism of the barrier that provides protection to drivers
Old flywheel technology could create new savings for light-rail transitJune 20, 2017
Engineers are using flywheel technology to store mechanical energy generated when trains decelerate and stop. ‘Dynamic braking’ means that it is then converted to electrical energy when the train is ready to leave the station
Mechanical engineering must futureproof to maximise tomorrow’s technologyJune 6, 2017
Mechanical engineering has always held strong among all engineering disciplines, even in the face of changing technology. Auro Ashish Saha outlines the skills needed by tomorrow’s mechanical engineers, to develop their careers
Tactile feedback adds ‘muscle sense’ to prosthetic handJune 5, 2017
Tactile feedback on the skin allowed blindfolded test subjects to more than double their ability to discern the size of objects grasped with a prosthetic hand, report engineers in a new paper
Producing pellets – how the growing demand is causing strain on equipmentMay 23, 2017
The global market for pellets is thriving, but machinery used for the high load and high-pressure production of pellets faces a reduced lifespan due to the inadequacy of existing industrial grease products, writes Mark Burnett
Mechanical engineers develop 3D-printed ‘bionic skin’ to give robots the sense of touchMay 23, 2017
A new process for 3D printing stretchable electronic sensory devices could give robots the ability to feel their environment. The discovery is also a major step forward in printing electronics on real human skin
Soft robotics – the future of manufacturing engineering?May 9, 2017
Jonathan Wilkins explains the applications of soft robotics in manufacturing, food handling and surgical procedures and predicts how the technology may impact other sectors in the future
Mechanical engineers develop system that can 3D print an entire buildingMay 9, 2017
Engineers have developed a system that can 3D print the basic structure of an entire building, enabling faster, cheaper and more adaptable building construction
An engine as old as Ireland: the Irish Naval Service restores a 1922 Vickers PettersApril 24, 2017
Ruairí de Barra outlines how members of the Irish Naval Service in Haulbowline brought a rare 1922 Vickers Petters Model VE2 engine back to life, so that future generations of sailors can experience a living piece of history
Mechanical engineers design coatings to prevent clogging of gas and oil pipelinesApril 24, 2017
A new coating could prevent methane clathrate clogs and blowouts in oil pipelines, stopping a buildup of hydrate ices that slow or block oil and gas flow – and a repeat of disasters such as Deepwater Horizon
Why Donald Trump needs an engineering advisor, not a science advisorApril 11, 2017
Along with having the know-how to build giant walls, engineers make things work and keep them working. The US president could use advice from such practical problem-solvers, writes G. Pascal Zachary
Personalisation and production – mass customisation in manufacturingApril 11, 2017
Software development and new production methods are lending themselves to mass customisation in manufacturing, enabling 'engineering to order' and shorter production runs, writes Mark Proctor
UL students scoop honours at international Engineering and Commerce Case CompetitionMarch 30, 2017
Limerick students win a major international award following a gruelling four-day challenge in Montreal, while ESB extends sponsorship for Irish universities to compete in the competition next year