Propulsion

Runkle joins EcoMotors to develop opposed-piston/cylinder technologies Veteran GM and Delphi engineering executive Don Runkle hopes to lead the upstart company's opposed-piston opposed-cylinder multifuel two-stroke engines and related technologies into production. Military, commercial, and marine applications are targeted first. Read full story

Fuel cells offer opportunity for stainless Both proton exchange membrane (PEM) and solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) types present new opportunities for stainless steel—for example, in heat exchangers, humidifiers, combustors, and plates. “All of those different components could be made up of metallic materials, and very often stainless steel represents the best optimal point between costs and performance,” said Scott Weil, a staff scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Read full story

A laser look at turbine engine refurbishing Both land-based and aerospace engine manufacturers are increasingly outsourcing turbine engine repair and refurbishing, a rapidly growing business requiring specialized equipment and experience. Read full story

Firing up QinetiQ’s ion engines QinetiQ's electric engines, known as T5 ion thrusters, are providing high-precision drag compensation for the GOCE spacecraft launched in March by the European Space Agency. Ion thrusters provide cruise control for the spacecraft’s gravity mission, literally preventing it from falling out of the sky. Read full story